The Yobe State Police Command has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate involved in defrauding ATM users across the state.

On Friday, officers from the State Intelligence Department apprehended three suspects: 35-year-old Sani Kasim, 24-year-old Nura Umaru, and 22-year-old Umar Suleman.

The suspects, who confessed to their involvement, operated by luring ATM users into revealing their PINs under the pretense of providing assistance.

They would then secretly switch the victims’ ATM cards and withdraw money from their accounts.

A press release issued on Saturday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the arrests and outlined the recovery of 47 ATM cards, four mobile phones, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the suspects.

Six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost N181,550, have identified the suspects.

In response to the operation, Yobe State’s Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has instructed detectives to continue efforts to apprehend additional members of the syndicate still at large.

He emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.

In an effort to safeguard the public, the police issued several safety tips for ATM users to avoid falling victim to similar scams:

– Stay Aware: Always be alert when using an ATM, and watch for anyone acting suspiciously around you.

– Choose Safe Locations: Use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas, such as inside bank branches or established commercial locations.

– Cover Your PIN: Shield the keypad with your hand or a piece of paper when entering your PIN to prevent others from viewing it.

– Protect Your Card: Never let anyone else handle your card, and always keep it in your possession.

By following these simple precautions, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to ATM fraud.