Katsina police arrest a suspected ATM fraudster with 14 stolen cards. The suspect allegedly withdrew N2.7m from victims’ accounts.

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]olice operatives in Katsina State have arrested a suspected fraudster, Bishir Abdullahi, 37, who is accused of specialising in swapping ATM cards of unsuspecting individuals at cash points.

The suspect was apprehended with 14 stolen ATM cards allegedly used to withdraw N2.7 million from his victims’ bank accounts.

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The Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday, highlighting that Abdullahi was arrested by a vigilant officer, Inspector Aliyu Muhammad, at the First Bank branch in Tudun Katsira quarters, Katsina metropolis.

“Upon instant search, 14 suspected stolen ATM cards of different banks were found in his possession,” ASP Aliyu confirmed.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Abdullahi targeted unsuspecting individuals at ATM machines, swapping their cards under the guise of assisting them and later using the stolen cards to withdraw money.

According to Aliyu, the suspect successfully accessed funds from six different accounts across various banks, stealing a total of N2.7 million.

The police officer’s quick action was lauded as a key factor in apprehending the suspect before further damage could be done. ASP Aliyu assured the public that the suspect would face prosecution upon the completion of the investigation.

This arrest highlights the increasing need for public awareness and vigilance when using ATM machines.

The police urged individuals to exercise caution, avoid accepting unsolicited help, and immediately report suspicious activities around ATM points to authorities.

The Katsina State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud and protecting residents from criminal activities, urging cooperation from the public in reporting such crimes.