The Bauchi State Police Command has dismantled a notorious gang of criminals who have been targeting bank
customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states. The syndicate, known for its expertise in stealing from vehicles,
used locally fabricated master keys to break into cars of unsuspecting victims.
The arrest came after a coordinated effort by the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence.
Three members of the four-man gang were apprehended on January 28, 2025, following an alert from a businessman
who had just withdrawn a large sum of money from FCMB Bank in Bauchi.
The victim, realizing he was being followed, informed his family and alerted the police. He was able to secure his car,
preventing a robbery. The suspects were later caught near the victim’s residence, waiting for him to exit.
The arrested members of the gang were identified as Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Tijjani,
30. The ringleader, whose name was not immediately disclosed, is still at large. During their arrest, the police
recovered key pieces of evidence, including three locally made “Chori” master keys and two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles.
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Investigation revealed that the gang specialized in monitoring bank customers who withdrew large sums of money.
After identifying a target, the gang would follow them to their destinations and wait for an opportunity to break into
their vehicles. The gang primarily targeted Honda vehicles, which they identified as having weaker locking
mechanisms, making them more susceptible to theft.
The suspects confessed to their crimes, detailing how they trailed victims and used the fabricated master keys to
break into their cars. The police are continuing the investigation and working to capture the ringleader, who is still on
the run. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant when withdrawing money from banks and to avoid
parking in isolated or poorly lit areas.
The State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, warned residents to be cautious when leaving banks. He
advised them to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station and avoid carrying large amounts of money in public. This arrest marks another significant success in the fight against organized crime in Bauchi and the surrounding states.
