Fourteen suspects have been arrested by the Jigawa State Police Command for allegedly engaging in currency counterfeiting and other criminal activities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, said the arrests were made on Thursday during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the suspects were apprehended during a raid on a known criminal hideout in Digawa village, following credible intelligence about the group’s illicit operations.
“The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, led to the arrest of 14 male suspects and the recovery of several incriminating items,” Shiisu stated.
Recovered items included nine fabricated pistols, seven dane guns, four motorcycles, 12 counterfeit US dollar notes, 188 suspected fake Central African currency notes, charms, and a bow and arrow.
Shiisu further disclosed that members of the same syndicate had allegedly attacked Dumus village on Wednesday after residents reportedly refused to support their fraudulent dealings.
The attack resulted in the death of a 60-year-old man, identified as Isma’il Ibrahim, while eight others sustained various injuries.
Police said investigations are ongoing and assured the public of continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.