Jigawa Police apprehend ex-convict, notorious theft gang

The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended a notorious gang of thieves, including an ex-convict, known for stealing motor vehicles, motorcycles, and domestic animals.  

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed that the arrests were made possible through intelligence gathering and a swift police response.

In a statement released on Thursday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Adam revealed that on March 7, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., officers identified a suspicious black Golf Wagon vehicle with registration number X MG 102 AAA Jigawa. The vehicle was found parked by the roadside near Gidan Tilo village along the Shuwarin-Kiyawa road in Kiyawa Local Government Area.

“The vehicle was suspected to be abandoned by unidentified criminals preparing to commit a crime. Upon receipt of the report, a patrol team was dispatched to the scene,” he said.

The police spokesperson stated that on the arrival of the police at the scene, one Alhassan Isiyaku, alias Tata, a 20-year-old resident of Tashar Yada quarters, Shuwarin town, Kiyawa LGA, was found hiding in the vehicle.

“Isiyaku was arrested and brought to the station with the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a bag containing incriminating items, including master keys, ropes, an iron cutter, a padlock, and a flog spanner,” SP Adam revealed.

He said that during interrogation, Isiyaku confessed to specialising in animal rustling, tricycle theft, motorcycle theft, and motor vehicle theft. He also mentioned an accomplice, Umar Abdullahi, who was later apprehended.

Abdullahi confessed to specialising in the theft of solar batteries and electric armour cables. Interestingly, according to the Jigawa Police, Isiyaku was previously arrested on February 21, 2025, for stealing a Mazda 323 Model with registration number MNA 139HK Niger State.

In a related development, the Jigawa police also arrested a motorcycle thief, Mujitaba Suleiman, a 30-year-old resident of Roni LGA.

“Suleiman was rescued by a patrol team attached to Kazaure Division and taken to the station for questioning.

“During interrogation, Suleiman admitted to stealing a motorcycle valued at ₦800,000.00,” he said.

The Jigawa Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adam, confirmed that all the suspects would be prosecuted to face the law.

However, the command has assured Jigawa residents of its commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.

The command has also urged residents to continue providing useful information to aid in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.