Jigawa Police Bust Notorious Motorcycle Syndicate Over Nine Deaths, 33 Thefts

Operatives of the Jigawa State Police Command have apprehended individuals belonging to a notorious syndicate specializing in motorcycle theft. This group is accused of causing the deaths of nine people and unlawfully taking 33 motorcycles across three different states. The Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed these developments in a statement released to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday.

SP Adam explained that the criminal network was involved in various violent crimes, including motorcycle snatching and dealing in stolen goods, operating primarily across Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa States. He detailed how the investigation gained traction after an alleged attack where a member of the syndicate reportedly robbed an Okada rider of his motorcycle in Aujara District, Jahun LGA. Prompt action by the police, working alongside local vigilantes, led to the recovery of the stolen motorcycle and the immediate arrest of the suspect involved in that incident.

This initial arrest proved crucial, enabling law enforcement to identify and bring in other purported members of the syndicate operating throughout the three aforementioned states. According to the PPRO, a thorough and meticulous investigation saw the suspects confessing to their role in snatching at least thirty-three motorcycles from unsuspecting members of the public at various sites. Furthermore, the suspects also admitted to engaging in violent assaults that resulted in injuries to several victims.

In a more alarming revelation, the suspects reportedly admitted to being responsible for the alleged killings of nine individuals during the course of their criminal operations across Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna states.

The police spokesperson provided the names of the arrested individuals. They include Ado Saleh, also known as Datti, a 55-year-old from Kawari village, Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Abdullahi Saidu, 37, from Kwanar Dangora village, Kano State; and Magaji Danladi, residing in Auramo quarters, Ringim LGA. Other members identified are Sabiu Miko from Kaugama LGA, Habibu Dan Iya from Didi village, Gagarawa LGA, Shamsu Sani, 32, from Ajingi LGA, Kano State, Ali Salisu, 40, from Yanbaru settlement, Sule Tankarkar LGA, Alhassan Isa, alias Tata, from Shuwarin, Kiyawa LGA, and Ado Ali from Baranda village, Dutse LGA.

Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala, lauded the police officers involved in the successful operation. He also extended appreciation to a Good Samaritan whose prompt assistance was instrumental in recovering the stolen motorcycle and facilitating the initial arrest that eventually led to this significant breakthrough.

The PPRO further stated that CP Murtala has instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Dutse to continue a thorough and professional investigation. This directive aims to uncover other potential members of the syndicate, locate and retrieve more stolen motorcycles, and fully ascertain the details surrounding the reported attacks and alleged homicides. The police chief affirmed his commitment to ensuring that all individuals found guilty will face the full force of the law.