The Yobe State Police Command has clamped down on a syndicate that had been targeting unsuspecting Automated Teller Machine users across the state.
The command’s State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects identified as Sani Kasim, 35, Nura Umaru, 24, and Umar Suleman, 22, on Friday.
The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, specialised in deceiving ATM users into revealing their PINs under the guise of offering assistance.
They would then swap the victims’ cards and siphon funds from their accounts.
The arrests were confirmed in a Saturday press release issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim.
The statement revealed the extent of the operation, noting, “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, has directed detectives to intensify efforts to track down other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
Reassuring the public of the command’s commitment, Ahmed declared, “Yobe State will not serve as a refuge for criminal activities.”
He also called on residents to report suspicious activities, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Safety Tips
In a bid to curb future occurrences, the police provided a series of safety tips to protect ATM users from falling prey to such schemes:
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.”
