The Nigeria Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) has arrested a 28 year old female armourer Fatima Garba alongside her gang of alleged kidnappers and armed robbers reportedly notorious for attacking innocent Nigerians around Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger states.
A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, Tuesday in Abuja, said as an armourer, Fatima was responsible for ensuring the safety of the weapons used by the gang whenever not in use.
He said the suspect, who confessed to being the gang’s armourer for over a year, claimed to have received a handsome reward each time the weapons were returned to her after operations.
The spokesperson said she also acknowledged knowing that the arms, which she usually kept in a neatly dug hole in her compound, were used for robberies, kidnapping and other criminal purposes.
Mba said investigations also showed that Fatima, who is a trader and single mother of two, was recruited by her boyfriend Abubakar Usman.
“Other members of the gang include: Samaila Usman, 28; Mohammed Ibrahim, 30; Mohammed Agali, 22; Dahiru Bello, 33; Shamsu Mohammed, 30; Mohammed Usman, 37; Umar Abdullahi, 33; Buhari Abubakar, 33; and Abubakar Garba, 37,” the spokesperson said.
He said since they began operations, the gang is estimated to have made over N12 million from their various criminal escapades, even as five AK47 rifles; one G3 rifle; one Berretta pistol; 1476 rounds of ammunition; 36 rounds of G3 ammunition; six AK47 magazines; one operational vehicle; eight mobile phones; as well as a box containing operational tools; were recovered from the gang.
Mbah said all the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, adding that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has assured Nigerians of the continued commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property.
