The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspects in separate fraud-related operations involving more than ₦22 million, while also recovering 36 ATM cards allegedly used for banking fraud.

The command disclosed that its operatives also recovered a revolver pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition and two expended shells, alongside a stolen motorcycle abandoned by fleeing robbery suspects during different operations across the state.

The arrests followed intelligence-driven investigations and coordinated police operations in Dutse, Gumel, Kazaure, and Gwaram divisions.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Diverting ₦10.5 Million

One of the major arrests followed an investigation into an alleged criminal breach of trust reported at the Dutse Divisional Police Headquarters on July 5.

Police said a woman identified as Hafsatu Usman, from Dutse Local Government Area, was entrusted with ₦10.5 million but allegedly disappeared with the funds.

According to the police, detectives used intelligence gathering and technical tracking to trace her mobile phone, leading to her arrest in Gombe State.

The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Dutse, where further investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing.

WhatsApp ‘Money Ritual’ Scam Ends in Arrest Over ₦12.9 Million Fraud

In another operation, detectives attached to the Gumel Division dismantled what police described as a sophisticated online fraud network.

The investigation began after Ado Muhammad, a resident of Jobi in Maigatari Local Government Area, reported that fraudsters posing as spiritual money-makers on WhatsApp allegedly deceived his wife, who lives in Saudi Arabia.

Police said the scammers convinced the victim to transfer ₦12.923 million through multiple bank accounts with promises of multiplying her money.

Investigations later led to the arrest of 21-year-old Ismail Adam Abdullahi, a resident of Hayin Ojo, Bakin Dogo Quarters, Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to the command, the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation. The case has also been transferred to the SCID for further investigation and prosecution.

Suspect Nabbed With 36 ATM Cards After Bank Fraud Complaint

Police also arrested 27-year-old Kassim Ali, a resident of Gyadi-Gyadi Quarters in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, following a distress report from Access Bank on July 9.

Investigators alleged that the suspect tampered with a female customer’s ATM card before making unauthorized withdrawals from her account.

Further investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect and an accomplice, who remains at large, specialized in carrying out similar ATM-related fraud at banking halls.

A search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of 36 ATM cards belonging to different commercial banks.

Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.

Police Recover Stolen Motorcycle, Revolver After Failed Robbery Attack

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Gwaram Division foiled an attempted motorcycle robbery after responding to reports of an unconscious man found in a pool of blood along the New Gwaram–Kila Road during the early hours of July 16.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Abdullahi Garba of Falai Village in Gwaram Local Government Area, was reportedly attacked by two passengers who allegedly struck him on the head with a hammer before fleeing with his motorcycle.

According to the police, responding officers immediately pursued the suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen motorcycle.

During the operation, officers also recovered a revolver pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition and two expended shells, believed to have been left behind by the fleeing suspects.

The injured victim was rushed to a hospital, where he is reportedly responding to treatment.

Police said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing robbery suspects.