The Yobe State Police Command has dismantled a syndicate preying on Automated Teller Machine users across the state.
On Friday, the State Intelligence Department apprehended three suspects: 35-year-old Sani Kasim, 24-year-old Nura Umaru, and 22-year-old Umar Suleman.
These individuals, who admitted to their crimes, had a strategy of deceiving ATM users into disclosing their PINs under the pretext of offering assistance.
They would then replace the victims’ cards and withdraw money from their accounts.
The arrests were confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim.
Detailing the extent of the operation, the statement noted, “The police recovered 47 ATM cards, four cellphones, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the suspects. Six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost N181,550, have positively identified these suspects.”
Commissioner of Police Garba Ahmed has ordered detectives to ramp up efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
In his remarks, Ahmed reassured the public of the command’s dedication to combating crime, stating, “Yobe State will not serve as a refuge for criminal activities.”
He also urged residents to report suspicious behavior and remain vigilant.
Safety Tips
To help prevent such incidents in the future, the police offered safety tips for ATM users:
Stay Alert: Pay close attention to your surroundings when using an ATM, and watch for any unusual activities or individuals nearby.
Use Secure ATMs: Opt for machines located in well-lit and secure places, such as bank premises or trusted retail locations.
Protect Your PIN: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to block it from view.
Keep Your Card Safe: Retain possession of your card at all times and avoid handing it to others.
The statement concluded by advising, “By following these precautions, individuals can better protect themselves from becoming victims of ATM fraud.”
