Police arrest 3 ATM card swap suspects, recover 54 cards in Kaduna

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested and detained three suspects involved in Automated Teller Machine, ATM, swap in the state.

The Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, adding that the police also recovered 54 ATM cards with a Point of Sale machine, POS.

“On August 27, at about 23:00 hours, following a credible intelligence, police operatives nab three suspects involved in ATM Card Swap Fraud, through a well-coordinated operation,” he said.

Hassan said the suspects included, Umar Ya’u of Zoo Road Kano, Abdullahi Bukar of Tudun Wada Kaduna, and Hussaini Sulaiman of Zoo Road, Kano.

According to him, the suspects 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 unauthorised withdrawals.

“54 ATM cards of different banks and a POS machine were recovered from the suspects, which they confessed to getting from defrauding multiple victims across Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria,” he said.

Hassan further said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Dabigi assured the public of the command’s continues commitment towards safeguarding the community.

He also urged the general public to be mindful of unsolicited assistance and to immediately report any suspicious behavior at ATM points to the police for prompt action.