by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Three persons suspected to be an ATM snatching syndicate and swap have been reportedly arrested by police with 54 cards and a POS machine, a statement by Kaduna State Police Command has revealed.
The statement, signed by the State Command spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, stressed that “On August 27, 2024, at about 2300 hours, following a credible intelligence information, police operatives nabbed 3 suspects involved in ATM Card Swap Fraud, through a well-coordinated operation.
“The suspects, identified as Umar Yau ‘M’ of Zoo Road, Kano; Abdullahi Bukar ‘M’ of Tudun Wada, Kaduna; and Hussaini Sulaiman ‘M’ of Zoo Road, Kano, were known for loitering around ATM machines, where they pretended to assist individuals, who appeared unfamiliar with operating the machines.
“In doing so, they would deceitfully swap the victims’ ATM cards, allowing them to carry out unauthorized withdrawals.
“54 ATM cards of different banks and a POS machine were recovered from the suspects, which they confessed getting from defrauding multiple victims across Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria.
“The Kaduna State Command Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, assures the public of the Command’s continues commitment to safeguarding the community and urges residents to be wary of unsolicited assistance and to immediately report any suspicious behavior at ATM points to the Police,” it stated.