Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Friday paraded three suspected criminals at the command’s headquarters in Gusau, following an intelligence-led crackdown on a motorcycle theft syndicate that has been terrorising commercial riders across the state. The suspects – Bashir Hassan, 20, Taminu Muhammed, 25, and Abdulrashid Abubakar – were arrested at different locations after a spate of violent attacks on commercial motorcyclists between 22 and 24 April 2026, the corps said in a statement. The NSCDC also recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle valued at N1,075,000 and vowed to prosecute all suspects upon the conclusion of investigations.
According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corps Umar Mohammad, two of the suspects, Hassan and Muhammed, were apprehended at Nassarawa Burkullu Market in Bukkuyum Local Government Area after allegedly stealing a Boxer motorcycle from a commercial rider. “The suspects reportedly forcefully took the motorcycle from its rider and threatened to stab him,” the statement read. In a related development, investigators revealed that the duo typically operated by disguising themselves as passengers before violently dispossessing unsuspecting riders of their bikes. During interrogation, Hassan confessed to belonging to a four-man gang, with two accomplices still at large.
The third suspect, Abdulrashid Abubakar, who resides in Azare behind Koli Filling Station, allegedly employed a more treacherous tactic. According to the NSCDC, Abubakar lured a motorcyclist to an unknown destination under false pretences and, upon arrival, attacked the rider with a machete in an attempt to escape with the motorcycle. However, operatives of the corps intercepted him before he could flee with the stolen property. The victim was reportedly rendered unconscious and hospitalised at Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau. The NSCDC said Abubakar was arrested following credible intelligence and is currently in custody.
The arrests were carried out on separate occasions between 24 and 26 April 2026, at various locations including the Saminaka area of Gusau, Nassarawa Burkullu Market, and areas adjacent to Huda University off the Sokoto Bypass Road. Investigations revealed that the syndicate had carried out similar operations across Gusau and Bukkuyum local government areas, targeting commercial motorcyclists who are often vulnerable to attacks by passengers. The command said it has zero tolerance for criminal conspiracy, violence, theft, and other social vices, and that all suspects will face astute investigation and prosecution.
The paras of the three suspected criminals comes amid a worsening security crisis in Zamfara State, where bandits and criminal gangs have terrorised rural communities, kidnapped travellers, and stolen motorcycles used as primary means of transport. The state has witnessed a surge in violent attacks in recent months, with armed gangs blocking major highways and demanding ransoms. The NSCDC’s latest operation highlights the corps’ determination to combat rising criminality and protect the lives and property of residents.
The command appealed to residents of the state to report suspicious persons in their communities and provide the command with relevant information to aid ongoing operations. It also reiterated its resolve to contain the aggressive motorcycle snatching problem in Zamfara State. The suspects, currently in custody, will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.
As security forces intensify operations across the state, the latest breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for commercial motorcyclists who have become prime targets for criminal gangs. The NSCDC has assured the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
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