Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested a criminal syndicate involved in supplying motorcycles to Boko Haram terrorists operating in Niger and Kaduna States.
Motorcycles are widely used by terrorist groups in Northern Nigeria for conducting kidnappings and launching attacks on local communities.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 7, Benneth Igweh, revealed that the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State.
Arrests and Seizures
Three suspects were apprehended:
Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30, from Hong LGA, Adamawa State
Zaharadeen Saidu, 25, from Soba LGA, Kaduna State
Mustapha Haruna, 22, from Gwami, Adamawa State
Authorities also recovered 22 motorcycles, various master keys, and stolen mobile phones from the suspects.
Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
The group is allegedly involved in the trafficking and modification of stolen motorcycles, which are then sold or rented to criminal elements, including suspected Boko Haram operatives in Niger and Kaduna States.
According to AIG Igweh, the syndicate specializes in selling stolen motorcycles in Suleja, with prices ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦250,000.
“The syndicate further sells or hires these motorcycles to criminals believed to be Boko Haram elements terrorizing parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.”
Roles of the Arrested Individuals
Shamsuddeen Yunusa: Identified as the leader of the gang, he confessed to selling motorcycles to criminals, including a man named Ibrahim Kabiru in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.
Zaharadeen Saidu: Acted as the courier, transporting the motorcycles to buyers.
Mustapha Haruna: Served as the mechanic, repairing and modifying the stolen motorcycles before they were delivered.
The police investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to track down other collaborators involved in the illegal trade.