Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command have uncovered an Internet fraud or ‘yahoo yahoo’ training centre in Jos the Plateau state capital.

The Plateau Police Command also arrested other suspected members of various criminal gangs operating in the state.

Parading the suspects on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters in Jos, the State Police Commissioner, Emmauel Adeshina informed that the suspects were arrested for various crimes including Internet fraud, robbery, Gunrunning , child trafficking among others.

Mr. Adeshina explained that the yahoo yahoo training centre was uncovered after information was received about a fraud academy and operations of Internet fraudster in Jos .

The CP said:

“On 20/10/2024 at about 10:30am, we received a report that the following persons, one Ateh Anthony Idoko, 23 and Daniel Idoko both 23 years old of Agingi, Rukuba Road who are internet fraudsters (Yahoo-Yahoo), conspired among themselves to traffic young boys who have just graduated from Secondary school to a secluded residence.

According to the CP,the suspects locked them up, seized their phones and having shown them how to masterfully defraud people via romance scam and other cyber related frauds, forced them to go into the internet and continue to defraud innocent would-be victims and in the event where they refuse to cooperate, the ring leader beat them mercilessly with horsewhip.”

He added that:

” Upon receipt of this information, the Divisional Police Officer Rantya division under my strict directive, immediately mobilized men and swung into action, raided the hideout where Eleven (11) suspects were arrested, including the Two (2) principal suspects. “

“Our investigations are currently ongoing, while efforts are being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law.”

The Plateau Police Commissioner also added that On 16/10/2024 at about 07:00am while acting upon credible intelligence, the Command’s Eagle Eye Patrol Unit (EEPU) arrested one Jonathan Arin, 27 years, one Moses Festus 27 years, Sambo Audu 30 years, Nehemiah Yakubu 25 years, all male of Angwan Rukuba Jos.

The suspects were arrested in possession of locally fabricated rifles, pistols and other dangerous tools and equipments used in the fabrication of firearms. “

Upon interviewing the suspects, they all confessed to the crime and issued their confessional statements which were recorded under words of caution. Investigation is ongoing to recover all firearms already distributed to some mischievous persons and arrest more suspects.

He also said On 12/10/2024 at about 04:30pm, we received a report at “A” division Police Station stating that on 11/10/2024 at about 04:30pm when they returned from work, they discovered that four (4) of their children were missing. Upon inquiry, they were informed by their neighbour’s daughter that they were seen with one Comfort, female who usually comes to visit her friend, one Adamu Bawa in the compound to buy her biscuits.

Upon receipt of the report, our men immediately swung into action which led to the rescue of the four (4) children and two (2) suspects. The case is currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion.

The CP also expressed his profound gratitude to the Government of the State, for the support given to them in the fight against crime and criminality within the State.

“We would not have achieved such tremendous successes without the cooperation and intelligence we have been receiving from you. “

I also wish to thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM for the provision of critical operational assets which have facilitated the successes we have recorded throughout this period.

I and my Management Team have put in place a series of strategies in order to prevent crime and ensure the security of lives and properties within the State. Some of these measures include; the improvement in our response time, the intensification of efforts toward ensuring the arrest of suspects, and due prosecution of criminals, he added.