Police nab motorcycle thieves linked to nine killings in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police have caught members of a motorcycle theft gang. They are accused of killing nine people and stealing 33 motorcycles in three states.

This was announced in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Thursday.

Adam said the gang focused on stealing motorcycles and was involved in violent crimes in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa States.

He said, "The breakthrough happened after one of the suspects attacked and stole a motorcycle from an Okada rider in Aujara District, Jahun LGA."

After this incident, the police and local vigilantes acted quickly. They recovered the stolen motorcycle and arrested the suspect.

Adam explained that the arrest led to finding other alleged members of the gang who were operating in the three states.

He added, "During a careful investigation, the suspects admitted to stealing at least thirty-three motorcycles from innocent people in different areas."

The PPRO also mentioned that the suspects confessed to being involved in violent attacks where some victims were hurt.

He said, "More troubling, they admitted to the alleged killing of nine people during their crimes across the three states."

He named the suspects as Ado Saleh alias Datti, 55, from Kawari village in Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Abdullahi Saidu, 37, from Kwanar Dangora village, Kano State; and Magaji Danladi from Auramo quarters, Ringim LGA.

Others include Sabiu Miko from Kaugama LGA, Habibu Dan Iya from Didi village, Gagarawa LGA, Shamsu Sani, 32, from Ajingi LGA, Kano State, Ali Salisu, 40, from Yanbaru settlement, Sule Tankarkar LGA, Alhassan Isa alias Tata from Shuwarin, Kiyawa LGA, and Ado Ali from Baranda village, Dutse LGA.

Adam said the Commissioner of Police for Jigawa State, CP Tijjani Murtala, praised the police officers involved in this operation.

He also thanked the Good Samaritan whose quick action helped recover the stolen motorcycle and led to the larger breakthrough.

The PPRO stated, "The CP has instructed the SCID Dutse to continue a careful and professional investigation to find other members of the gang."

He added that the CP also ordered the SCID to trace and recover more stolen motorcycles and look into the attacks and killings that were reported.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner promised to ensure that all suspects found guilty are taken to court according to the law.