Police Recover 47 ATM Cards, Arrest Fraud Suspects In Yobe
Yobe State Police Command has dismantled a syndicate targeting unsuspecting Automated Teller Machine (ATM) users across the state.
The State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects, Sani Kasim (35), Nura Umaru (24), and Umar Suleman (22), on Friday.
The suspects confessed to deceiving ATM users into revealing their PINs under the guise of offering assistance, swapping their cards, and withdrawing funds from their accounts.
Recovered items included 47 ATM cards, four cellphones, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost N181,550, have identified the suspects.
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Confirming the arrests in a press release, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, stated, “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.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, directed detectives to intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
Reassuring the public, he said, “Yobe State will not serve as a refuge for criminal activities.”
He also urged residents to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant.
The police also offered safety tips to protect ATM users from falling victim to fraud: “Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be vigilant while using an ATM and watch for suspicious individuals or activities nearby.
“Choose a Secure ATM: Opt for machines located in well-lit and secure areas, such as bank lobbies or reputable retail locations.
“Cover the Keypad: When entering your PIN, use your hand or a piece of paper to shield the keypad from prying eyes.
“Keep Your Card Secure: Always maintain possession of your card and never allow someone else to handle it.”
The statement concluded, “By following these precautions, individuals can better protect themselves from becoming victims of ATM fraud.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
