The Yobe State Police Command has arrested nine suspects linked to a highly specialized criminal syndicate involved in phone theft and ATM card fraud.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 25, were apprehended at Lale Guest Hotel in a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation by the State Intelligence Department (SID).

According to the Command, the suspects used stolen mobile phones to gain unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts and perpetrate various internet and ATM fraud schemes. During interrogation, they confessed to their crimes and demonstrated methods used to steal and manipulate victims’ phones to retrieve PIN codes and passwords for fraudulent transactions.

The suspects arrested include Abba Ali, 23, Abdullahi Mohammed, 22, Yakubu Ba’a Mai, 19, Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Mohammed, 23, Abubakar Mohammed, 25, Mohammed Umar, 21, Sani Aminu, 18, and Umar Abba, 25, all from various locations in Yobe and Borno States.

Twelve Android phones and other valuable items used in perpetrating criminal activities were recovered from the suspects. The police command is currently investigating the matter and will charge the suspects to court upon completion of the investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado, commended the operatives for their commitment and charged them to sustain the tempo. He reiterated the Command’s determination to keep criminal elements in check and ensure Yobe State remains unsafe for criminals.

The CP also cautioned hotel operators against providing safe spaces for criminals, warning that anyone found aiding or harboring suspects will face legal consequences.