A significant crackdown on a notorious scam cartel has been announced by the Jigawa State Police Command, operating in the Birnin Kudu Local Government Area. According to a statement released by the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Ibrahim Sunusi Idris, a total of 13 suspects were apprehended, along with fake currencies and motorcycles suspected of being used in illicit activities.
The operation was a response to multiple complaints from victims of fraud and robbery, and it involved a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups. The suspects, posing as legitimate currency dealers, would lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of lucrative dollar deals, only to rob them of their valuables.
The raid, which began at 1:30 am, targeted known criminal hideouts in the areas of Kankare, Bigidan, Zurkuda, Karofi, and Daurawa, notorious for housing ‘419ers’ – a term used to describe individuals involved in fraudulent activities. The operation was carried out with “surgical precision,” according to the police, and resulted in the capture of five alleged kingpins, including Salisu Ibrahim, Umar Dauda, Abdullahi Umar, Magaji A. Mohd, and Abubakar Ibrahim.
Items recovered during the operation included counterfeit $100 bills, fake ₦1,000 notes, and improvised boxes for Central Bank currency, as well as three motorcycles suspected of being used to transport stolen goods. The Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, emphasized the command’s commitment to intelligence-based and community-supported policing, assuring that the suspects will face the law after a thorough investigation.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help identify and apprehend criminal elements in the region. This operation highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the community in combating crime and ensuring the safety of citizens. By working together, the Jigawa State Police Command and its partners have dealt a significant blow to the scam cartel, sending a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated.
