The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly supplying motorcycles to Boko Haram operatives in Niger and Kaduna states.
According to The PUNCH, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Benneth Igweh, revealed this development during a press briefing at the Zone’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He stated that detectives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspects in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The suspects—Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30; Zaharadeen Saidu, 25; and Mustapha Haruna, 22—were reportedly involved in modifying and trading stolen motorcycles used by criminals, including Boko Haram operatives.
“In a proactive move to disrupt criminal activities and financing in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State, and surrounding areas, Zone 7 detectives apprehended three suspects in Suleja. Twenty-two motorcycles, several master keys, and stolen phones were recovered,” AIG Igweh stated.
According to Igweh, the syndicate specializes in selling or renting stolen motorcycles to criminals active in Niger State and the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.
He explained, “The leader of the gang, Shamsuddeen Yunusa, confessed to selling motorcycles for ₦200,000 to ₦250,000. He disclosed that he recently received ₦250,000 as part payment for a Bajaj motorcycle from a buyer in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.”
Zaharadeen Saidu, identified as the courier for the syndicate, admitted to transporting motorcycles to customers, while Mustapha Haruna, a mechanic, was responsible for repairing the stolen motorcycles before delivery.
In a separate operation, Zone 7 operatives arrested a member of a notorious gang linked to armed robbery and kidnappings in Benue State.
“A suspect, Sunday Danlami, confessed to being part of the gang responsible for the 2024 kidnapping of 21 doctors in Benue State,” Igweh revealed.
Danlami reportedly admitted to participating in several robbery operations, including snatching motorcycles on Adiga Road, and claimed to use charms for protection during criminal activities.
The AIG assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
