By: Bayero Ade
Police have dismantled a criminal syndicate supplying stolen motorcycles to Boko Haram operatives in Niger and Kaduna states, leading to the arrest of three suspects in Suleja, Niger State.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Benneth Igweh, who oversees Zone 7, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The suspects, identified as Shamsuddeen Yunusa (30) from Adamawa, Zaharadeen Saidu (25) from Kaduna, and Mustapha Haruna (22) from Adamawa, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations.
Authorities seized 22 motorcycles, multiple master keys, and stolen mobile phones during the raid. According to Igweh, the syndicate specialised in modifying and reselling stolen motorcycles, which were then channelled to criminal groups, including Boko Haram operatives in Niger State and Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.
Investigations revealed that Shamsuddeen facilitated the sale of the motorcycles, pricing them between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000, with payments made by buyers in Birnin Gwari. Zaharadeen acted as the courier, transporting the motorcycles, while Mustapha handled repairs before delivery.
In a separate operation, police in Benue State arrested Sunday Danlami, a suspected member of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang. Danlami reportedly confessed to being involved in the 2024 abduction of 21 doctors and several cases of motorcycle theft. Two other members of his gang remain on the run.
The police have reiterated their commitment to dismantling criminal networks that fuel terrorism and insecurity in the region.
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