Police arrest three ATM fraud syndicate, recover 47 cards in Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of an ATM fraud syndicate in a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime and related offenses.

A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abdulkarim Dungus, revealed that on December 6, 2024, the State Intelligence Department (SID) apprehended three suspects—Sani Kasim, 35, Nura Umaru, 24, and Umar Suleman, 22—for their involvement in a criminal syndicate targeting ATM users in the state.

The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, used deceptive tactics to trick unsuspecting customers into revealing their PINs while using ATMs. They would offer to assist the customers, secretly swap their ATM cards, and subsequently withdraw cash from their accounts.

The police recovered 47 ATM cards, four cellphones, and a Mercedes Benz vehicle from the suspects. Six victims, including a visually impaired person who lost ₦181,550, have identified the suspects.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has directed detectives to intensify investigations and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large. He also urged the public to report any suspicious activity, warning that Yobe State will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.

To help the public avoid falling victim to ATM fraud and related crimes, the Command advises maintaining vigilance and being cautious when using ATMs. Individuals are encouraged to ensure the security of their PINs, avoid ATMs showing signs of tampering, use chip-enabled cards, and regularly monitor their account statements for unauthorized transactions. Additionally, handling ATM cards personally and avoiding sharing PINs with others are essential precautions.

The Command expressed confidence that adhering to these measures would significantly reduce the risk of ATM fraud and related crimes.