The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested nine suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in motorcycle theft, violent attacks and other crimes across Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna states.
The suspects were also accused of stealing at least 33 motorcycles and allegedly participating in the killing of nine people during their criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adamu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the police, the investigation started after one of the suspects allegedly attacked an Okada rider and stole his motorcycle in Aujara District of Jahun Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
Police officers, assisted by local vigilantes, responded to the incident, recovered the motorcycle and arrested the suspect.
The arrest reportedly led to the identification and apprehension of other members of the suspected syndicate operating across the three states.
During the investigation, the suspects allegedly confessed to snatching no fewer than 33 motorcycles from members of the public in different locations across Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna states.
The police said the suspects also admitted involvement in violent attacks that left some victims injured.
They reportedly confessed to the alleged killing of nine people during their operations across the three states.
The suspects were identified as Ado Saleh, also known as Datti, 55; Abdullahi Saidu, 37; Magaji Danladi; Sabiu Miko; Habibu Dan Iya; Shamsu Sani, 32; Ali Salisu, 40; Alhassan Isa, also known as Tata; and Ado Ali.
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The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved in the operation as well as the Good Samaritan whose intervention assisted in the recovery of the stolen motorcycle and arrest of the first suspect.
The commissioner directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse to continue with a discreet and professional investigation.
He ordered the investigators to identify other suspected members of the gang, recover more stolen motorcycles and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks and alleged killings.
The police said anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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