Police bust fraud syndicate, recover counterfeit currency

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects, including five notorious kingpins, in a joint operation with other security agencies.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Dutse by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, ASP Ibrahim Idris.

According to Idris, the operation was conducted in response to numerous complaints from victims of fraud and robbery.

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He said, “The police command, in collaboration with operatives from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups, raided several identified criminal enclaves in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.

“The suspects, who were posing as currency exchangers, had been luring unsuspecting members of the public with promises of lucrative dollar deals, only to rob them of their valuables.”

He explained that the operation, driven by credible intelligence, led to the arrest of the 13 suspects, including the five kingpins: Salisu Ibrahim a.k.a. Gwamna, Umar Dauda a.k.a. Tontere, Abdullahi Umar a.k.a. Ubale Daurawa, Magaji A. Mohd a.k.a. Magaji Gurgu, and Abubakar Ibrahim a.k.a. Yellow.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police command will ensure that justice is served and that the suspects face the full wrath of the law.

“The police have recovered several bundles of counterfeit 100 US Dollar bills, fake 1,000 Naira denominations, and improvised Central Bank currency boxes from the suspects. Three motorcycles suspected to have been acquired with the proceeds of crime were also recovered.

“The joint operation was carried out with clinical precision and ended with no casualties,” he added.

He said the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that “the police command assured the public that it would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the state.”

He therefore highlighted that the operation was a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and community-driven initiatives and urged members of the public to continue providing information that would aid in the fight against crime.

The Command appreciated the synergy of the military, DSS, NSCDC, and vigilante operatives, as well as the cooperation of community members who provided vital information that made the success possible.