Jigawa Police nab 29 suspects in major crackdown, recovering fake cash, vehicles, weapons and drugs across multiple operations

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 29 suspects in a sweeping crackdown on armed robbery, fraud and related crimes, recording substantial seizures of vehicles, fake currency, firearms and illicit drugs.

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The disclosure was made on Monday in Dutse by the Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, who described the operations as a significant step in ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.

According to Adam, the series of operations began on 13 March when detectives from Shuwarin Division apprehended two suspected fraudsters following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Muhammad, 18, and Sabiu Kamisu, 40, allegedly defrauded a victim of N1,050,000 under the pretence of exchanging United States dollars.

“The duo confessed during interrogation, leading to the recovery of 64 fake 100-dollar bills and a Honda vehicle,” Adam said.

In a related development, operatives from Hadejia ‘B’ Division arrested 12 suspects on 14 March over alleged involvement in robbery, homicide, cattle rustling and theft.

The suspects were reportedly linked to the notorious Alin Mai gang operating in the Hadejia axis. Items recovered included a Mercedes-Benz car, three motorcycles, spare parts, master keys and other materials.

Adam further disclosed that on 16 March, officers from Ringim Division foiled a robbery in progress between Chaichai and Shafar villages, arresting four suspects who had allegedly attacked a motorcyclist at gunpoint and dispossessed him of his motorcycle and phone.

A locally fabricated rifle and the stolen motorcycle were recovered.

On 17 March, another suspect was arrested in connection with a plot to lure a victim into a fake currency deal in Jangargari bush, where the victim was attacked and robbed of N1 million.

Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

The crackdown continued on 19 March with the arrest of two suspects in Dutse linked to motorcycle theft and animal rustling, as well as the interception of a suspect in Gumel Local Government Area found in possession of 2,460 Exol tablets and 150 Pregabalin capsules.

In a separate operation on 20 March, police arrested another suspect for motorcycle theft in Birnin Kudu, with the stolen property successfully recovered.

Overall, the police recovered two vehicles, six motorcycles, counterfeit foreign currency, a fabricated firearm, over 2,000 illicit drug tablets and various tools used in criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, whose commendation was conveyed in the statement, praised officers for their bravery and relentless efforts in tackling crime.