Operatives of the Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested three suspected members of an ATM fraud syndicate.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, describing the arrests as a significant victory in the state’s fight against cybercrime and related offenses.
“On December 6, 2024, the State Intelligence Department (SID) apprehended three suspects — Sani Kasim, 35, Nura Umaru, 24, and Umar Suleman, 22 — for their involvement in a criminal syndicate preying on ATM users across the state,” DSP Abdulkarim revealed.
The suspects reportedly used deceptive tactics to exploit unsuspecting bank customers, coaxing them into disclosing their PINs. “They would pretend to assist bank users, swap their ATM cards, and then withdraw funds from the victims’ accounts,” Abdulkarim explained.
Recovered items include 47 ATM cards, four mobile phones, and a Mercedes Benz vehicle. Six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost N181,550, have identified the suspects.
The police emphasized their commitment to tackling cybercrime and urged the public to remain vigilant while using ATMs.
