The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a five-man syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping, extortion, theft, and criminal conspiracy along the Zaria–Kano highway.
Commandant of the NSCDC Special Intelligence Squad, Apollo Dandaura, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja. He narrated how the notorious gang was apprehended after attacking one Sani Ahmad, a journalist travelling from Zaria to Kano.
According to Dandaura, the suspects flagged down Ahmad’s vehicle under the pretext of an impending danger ahead. Unaware of their true intentions, the victim stopped his car, only to be assaulted and robbed.
Ahmad recounted that the gang seized his travelling bag, two iPhone 12 Pro Max devices, a Tecno Camon 40 Pro, and forced him at gunpoint to transfer ₦300,000 through his Opay account to an account belonging to one Abdullahi Lawan Garba, provided by a suspect identified as Ibrahim Abubakar.
The suspects, all male, were named as Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu, and Imrana Hassan. Dandaura said the men have confessed to their roles in the crime.
Recovered items from the suspects include six mini smartphones, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Tecno Camon 40 Pro, multiple ATM cards from First Bank, GTBank, and Opay, as well as other valuables such as wristwatches, rings, and earpods.
Dandaura stated that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion. He also advised travellers to avoid late-night movements, especially as the festive season approaches, warning that criminals are increasingly targeting unsuspecting citizens.
