Members of a well-known motorcycle-snatching gang have been detained by the Jigawa State Police Command on suspicion of killing nine people and stealing 33 motorcycles in three different states.
This was said in a statement provided to reporters in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Thursday by SP Shi’isu Adam, the Jigawa State Police Command’s police public relations officer.
According to Adam, the gang specialises in violent crimes in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa States, including motorbike stealing and receiving stolen property.
“The breakthrough followed an incident in which one of the suspects allegedly attacked and snatched a motorbike from one Okada rider in Aujara District, Jahun LGA,” he stated.
He claimed that after the event, the police and vigilantes worked together to quickly respond, retrieve the stolen motorbike, and capture the perpetrator.
Adam clarified that other suspected members of the syndicate operating throughout the three states were identified and apprehended as a result of the arrest.
“During a discreet and painstaking investigation, the suspects reportedly disclosed their involvement in the snatching of no less than thirty-three motorcycles belonging to innocent members of the public in different locations,” he continued.
According to the PPRO, the suspects allegedly admitted to participating in violent attacks that resulted in injuries and wounds to certain victims.
“More disturbingly, they reportedly confessed to the alleged killing of nine persons in the course of their criminal activities across the three states,” he stated.
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as Abdullahi Saidu, 37, of Kwanar Dangora village, Kano State; Magaji Danladi of Auramo quarters, Ringim LGA; and Ado Saleh alias Datti, 55, of Kawari village, Ajingi LGA, Kano State.
Ali Salisu, 40, of Yanbaru settlement, Sule Tankarkar LGA; Alhassan Isa alias Tata of Shuwarin, Kiyawa LGA; Sabiu Miko of Kaugama LGA; Habibu Dan Iya of Didi village, Gagarawa LGA; Shamsu Sani, 32, of Ajingi LGA, Kano State; and Ado Ali of Baranda village, Dutse LGA.
According to Adam, CP Tijjani Murtala, the Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State Command, praised the officers who carried out the operation.
The CP also praised the Good Samaritan, he continued, whose prompt action helped retrieve the stolen motorbike and make the arrest that resulted in the broader breakthrough.
“The CP has directed the SCID Dutse to sustain a discreet and professional investigation toward identifying other members of the syndicate,” the PPRO stated.
He continued by saying that the CP also gave the SCID instructions to track down and retrieve other stolen motorcycles and determine the circumstances of the suspected killings and attacks.
According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner promised to make sure that any suspects proven guilty face legal consequences.
