The police command in Jigawa State says it has arrested nine suspected syndicate members allegedly specialising in motorcycle snatching, receiving stolen property and other violent crimes across Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lawan Adamu, the command’s spokesman, said the suspects confessed to killing nine people and snatching 33 motorcycles.

He said the breakthrough followed an incident in which one of the suspects allegedly attacked and snatched a motorcycle from an Okada rider in Aujara District, Jahun LGA.

“Following the incident, the police, in collaboration with vigilantes, responded promptly, recovered the stolen motorcycle, and apprehended the suspect.

“The arrest subsequently led to the identification and apprehension of other alleged members of the syndicate operating across the three states,” Mr Adamu said.

He said that during a discreet and painstaking investigation, the suspects reportedly disclosed their involvement in the snatching of no fewer than 33 motorcycles belonging to innocent members of the public in different locations across Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa States.

“The suspects further allegedly revealed their involvement in violent attacks during which some victims were wounded and injured,” he noted.

He added that, more disturbingly, the suspects reportedly confessed to the alleged killing of nine people in the course of their criminal activities across the three states.

The suspects are Ado Saleh, alias Datti, 55, of Kawari Village, Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Abdullahi Saidu, 37, of Kwanar Dangora Village, Kano State; Magaji Danladi of Auramo Quarters, Ringim LGA; and Sabiu Miko of Kaugama LGA.

Others are Habibu Dan Iya of Didi Village, Gagarawa LGA; Shamsu Sani, 32, of Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Ali Salisu, 40, of Yanbaru Settlement, Sule Tankarkar LGA; Alhassan Isa, alias Tata, of Shuwarin, Kiyawa LGA; and Ado Ali of Baranda Village, Dutse LGA.