Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate and recovered N5 million allegedly stolen from a bank customer shortly after he withdrew the money from a commercial bank in Bauchi. The Command’s public relations officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, saying the arrest followed a swift response by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). According to the statement, the incident occurred on July 14, 2026, after a 50-year-old man withdrew N5 million from Fidelity Bank along Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi. The victim reportedly placed the cash inside his vehicle before proceeding to HD Plaza for shopping. On returning, he allegedly found some individuals using a fabricated key to force open his vehicle after damaging the door and shattering one of the side windows. The suspects reportedly carted away the cash and concealed it inside a Peugeot 406 vehicle. The police said the victim immediately raised the alarm and pursued the suspects while calling for help, forcing them to abandon their vehicle together with the stolen money and flee the scene. Nafiu added that following the report, SCID operatives launched a follow-up operation and arrested one Abubakar Mustapha of Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State behind Isa Yuguda House in Bauchi. Police said exhibits recovered from the suspect included the stolen N5 million, the abandoned Peugeot 406 vehicle and a fabricated key allegedly used in committing the crime. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori, has ordered a thorough investigation to track down and arrest other members of the syndicate. The recovered money has since been returned to its rightful owner. The Command commended the victim and the Good Samaritan whose prompt actions contributed to the successful recovery and arrest. It also reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, while advising members of the public intending to withdraw large sums of money to remain vigilant and, where necessary, request police escort.
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