Police Smash 4-Man Car Theft Syndicate, Recover 2 Stolen Vehicles in Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Bauchi state Police command has bursted a four-man suspected car theft syndicates and succeeded in arresting three of the suspects who specializes in targeting bank customers to steal their vehicles by using special car keys.

As contained in a crime bulletin made available to newsmen by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the operatives after arresting the suspects, also recovered special keys and two vehicles.

Wakil explained that the modus operandi of the suspects involves monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money with an intention to rob them.

“They utilize locally fabricated master keys, “Chori,” to gain unauthorized access to their victims’ vehicles and properties”, he said.

CSP Wakil further stated: “On 28 January 2025, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a four-man syndicate specializing in targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano States”.

They utilize locally fabricated master keys, “Chori,” to gain unauthorized access to their victims’ vehicles and properties

According to CSP Wakil, the individuals taken into custody are Mustapha Bukar, aged 42, from Maiduguri, Borno State, Mustapha Abubakar, aged 47, from Kano, Kano State and Habibu Abubakar Tijjani, aged 30, also from Kano, Kano State.

He said thorough investigation revealed that on 27 January 2025, at about 5:00 PM, the suspects conspired to observe a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) as he left FCMB Bank in Bauchi after withdrawing a considerable sum for his business operations.

The PPRO noted that the suspects proceeded to trail the businessman to his residence, strategically positioning their vehicles as they awaited his exit, intending to rob him of his funds.

He said, upon realizing he was being followed, the victim contacted his family, instructing them to open the gate and secure his vehicle and subsequently informed the police regarding the suspicious movement which led to the apprehension of the three suspects.

The PPRO informed that during investigation, all apprehended suspects confessed to their involvement and provided crucial information that would aid in the capture of the ringleader, who is currently at large.

He said three locally fabricated master keys, commonly known as “Chori,” which are employed to unlock the vehicles of their targets as well as two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles utilized in committing the crimes were recovered as exhibits.

The suspects confessed to participating in various robbery operations across multiple states, including Bauchi, Kano, and Borno where they specifically targeted individuals who had withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their destinations.

CSP Wakil said in recognition of the operatives’ diligence and dedication, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad urged residents to exercise vigilance when departing from banks, avoid parking in isolated areas.

The CP also urged members of the public to refrain from carrying large sums of money in public, and report any suspicious activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential areas to the police via 07068235368, 08034844393, 08151849417.