The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the sale and modification of motorcycles for Boko Haram operatives in Niger and Kaduna states.
Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 7, Benneth Igweh, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the Zone’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Based on credible intelligence, operatives arrested three suspects in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State.
The suspects were identified as, Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30, from Adamawa State, Zaharadeen Saidu, 25, from Kaduna State, Mustapha Haruna, 22, from Adamawa State
Items recovered from the suspects included 22 motorcycles, multiple master keys, and stolen phones.
The syndicate reportedly specialized in trading and modifying stolen motorcycles, which were subsequently sold or rented to criminals, including suspected Boko Haram operatives active in parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
AIG Igweh stated, “The leader of the gang, Shamsuddeen, revealed that he sells the motorcycles at the rate of ₦200,000 to ₦250,000. He further added that he recently received ₦250,000 from one Ibrahim Kabiru, who resides in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State, as part payment for the supply of Bajaj motorcycles.”
Additionally, Zaharadeen served as the courier, delivering motorcycles to buyers.
He confessed to transporting motorcycles from Shamsuddeen to another accomplice, Mustapha, in Suleja. Mustapha, a mechanic, repaired stolen motorcycles before their sale or delivery.
This successful operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism and associated crimes in affected regions.
