Police Take Action: Syndicate Targeting Bank Customers Arrested
The Bauchi State Police Command has successfully apprehended three members of a notorious four-man syndicate that has been aggressively targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.

This gang is infamous for using locally fabricated “Chori” master keys to break into victims’ vehicles, and they have been implicated in a series of brazen thefts.
Police Public Relations Officer Ahmed Wakil confirmed that the suspects were apprehended following a credible tip-off that led law enforcement directly to their hideout. The leader of the gang, however, remains on the run.
The arrested suspects—Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Tijjani, 30—have openly admitted to their involvement in numerous robberies, including a significant incident that occurred on January 27, 2025. In that case, they trailed a 43-year-old businessman who had withdrawn a substantial sum from FCMB Bank in Bauchi.
Realizing he was being followed, the victim acted decisively by alerting his family and the police, prompting an immediate response that led to the capture of three suspects while the fourth escaped.
Investigations have revealed that this gang’s systematic approach involves meticulously monitoring bank customers who withdraw large sums before following them home. Once their targets park their vehicles, they utilize their improvised master keys to gain access and steal valuable possessions. Notably, Honda vehicles are particularly vulnerable due to their weaker locking mechanisms.
The police recovered three “Chori” keys and two Honda saloon cars from the suspects. The apprehended individuals are cooperating fully with investigators and providing substantial leads that could facilitate the capture of the gang’s fugitive leader.
In light of these events, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police Auwal Muhammad has issued a stern warning to residents: exercise extreme caution when leaving banks, avoid parking in secluded areas, and refrain from carrying large amounts of cash in public. He has made it clear that anyone observing suspicious activity around financial institutions or residential areas should report it immediately.
The police are leaving no stone unturned as they continue their investigations and are committed to ensuring the safety of the community.
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