Police in Katsina State have dismantled a suspected armed robbery gang notorious for targeting motorists along the Sha'iskawa-Charanchi and Katsina-Kankia-Kano highways.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed the development to journalists on Wednesday, revealing that the 11-member group had been operating a coordinated network of roadblocks to ambush and rob travellers.
"The breakthrough came on Sunday around 10 a.m., when one of the suspects was intercepted while trying to sell off items believed to be stolen.
"This followed credible intelligence we received," Aliyu explained.
Prompt police action led to the arrest of the suspect, which eventually unraveled the rest of the syndicate.
Those apprehended according to the police spokesman include: Dikko Maaru, Dardau Kabir, Muntari Musa, Labaran Amadu, Usman Maaru, Lawal Zubairu, Nasiru Sanusi, and Adamu Kabir.
Others are Abdullahi Zubairu, Muhammad Usman, and Sale Shehu -- all aged between 21 and 35.
During interrogation and subsequent searches, officers recovered a stash of 80 wristwatches, nine mobile phones, and a knife -- believed to be tools and proceeds from their criminal operations.
Commending his men for their swift and strategic response, the state's Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, praised the synergy between police intelligence units and members of the public. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing information that could help curb criminal activity.
"The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded," Aliyu confirmed.