Police crackdown on ATM card swap syndicate, recover 54 cards

The Kaduna State Police Command has dismantled a syndicate involved in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card swap fraud, recovering 54 ATM cards from various banks and a Point of Sale (POS) machine.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, on Friday, the suspects were arrested on 27 August 2024, at approximately 11:00 PM, following a well-coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

Hassan said the suspects, identified as Umar Yau, Abdullahi Bukar, and Hussaini Sulaiman, were known to loiter around ATMs, pretending to assist individuals unfamiliar with operating the machines, and then deceitfully swapping the victims’ ATM cards.

The police spokesman quoted Police Commissioner Audu Dabigi urging the public to remain vigilant when using ATM facilities. He warned against accepting unsolicited assistance and encouraged immediate reporting of suspicious behaviour at ATM points to the police.

Hassan added that the arrest and recovery of the ATM cards and POS machines represent a significant breakthrough in the fight against fraud and cybercrime in the state.

The statement continued: “On 27 August 2024, at approximately 11:00 PM, police operatives conducted a well-coordinated operation based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

“The suspects, identified as Umar Yau of Zoo Road, Kano; Abdullahi Bukar of Tudun Wada, Kaduna; and Hussaini Sulaiman of Zoo Road, Kano, were known to loiter around ATMs, where they pretended to assist individuals unfamiliar with operating the machines and then deceitfully swapped the victims’ ATM cards, allowing them to carry out unauthorised withdrawals.

“The suspects confessed to defrauding multiple victims across Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria. The recovered ATM cards and POS machines were found in their possession.

“Police Commissioner Audu Ali Dabigi assures the public of the Command’s continued commitment to safeguarding the community and urges residents to be cautious when using ATM facilities. He warned against accepting unsolicited assistance and encouraged immediate reporting of any suspicious behaviour at ATM points to the police.”