Story written by springnewsng media limited June 5,2025

The Jigawa State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious scam cartel operating across Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, arresting 13 suspects and recovering large quantities of counterfeit currency and suspected contraband motorcycles.

According to a statement released Wednesday evening by ASP Ibrahim Sunusi Idris, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Command, the suspects were apprehended in a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups.

The raid, launched at approximately 1:30 AM, targeted several criminal hideouts in Kankare, Bigidan, Zurkuda, Karofi, and Daurawa—areas identified as hubs for fraud syndicates popularly referred to as “419ers.”

“These fraudsters posed as legitimate currency exchangers and deceived victims with fake promises of profitable dollar deals,” ASP Idris stated. “Once trust was established, the criminals would rob unsuspecting individuals of their money and valuables, posing a serious threat to public safety.”

The joint task force executed what the police described as a “surgical” operation based on actionable intelligence and credible information provided by community members. The Police Command expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the military, DSS, NSCDC, local vigilantes, and civilians whose collaboration made the operation successful.

Among the 13 arrested were five identified kingpins:

• Salisu Ibrahim (aka Gwamna)
• Umar Dauda (aka Tontere)
• Abdullahi Umar (aka Ubale Daurawa)
• Magaji A. Mohd (aka Magaji Gurgu)
• Abubakar Ibrahim (aka Yellow)

Recovered items included:

• Bundles of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills
• Fake Nigerian ₦1,000 notes
• Improvised boxes designed to mimic Central Bank currency containers
• Three motorcycles suspected to have been used in transporting stolen funds

Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led, community-supported policing. He assured the public that all suspects would face the full weight of the law following a comprehensive investigation.

He also urged residents of Jigawa State to remain vigilant, avoid falling for currency exchange scams, and continue reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities in a timely manner.