The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday apprehended three suspects in connection with counterfeit money amounting to N129,542,826,000.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the counterfeit currencies recovered included $3,366,000, CFA 51,970,000, and N1,443,000. The police were able to trace and recover these fake currencies after a detailed investigation.
Kiyawa addressed the media, confirming that two of the suspects were arrested with the fake currency, while the third person was caught after it was discovered the money had been stolen from them. The three individuals are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations into the origins of the counterfeit money.
“The counterfeit currencies equivalent to N129.5 billion were recovered,” Kiyawa said, underscoring the enormity of the discovery. “We are working to track down the producers of the fake money.”
The police also seized several other items during the operation. These included six live rounds of ammunition, three tricycles, eight motorcycles, and three parcels containing 175 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. In addition, authorities recovered 250 diazepam tablets, 278 sheep, and seven cattle. These items are believed to be part of the criminals’ illicit activities.
“This operation is not just about catching criminals,” Kiyawa stated. “It serves as a warning to others. Our proactive approach is making it difficult for criminal syndicates to operate in Kano.”
He further revealed that the operation had led to a significant decrease in major criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and drug trafficking. The police have been making regular arrests, and the crackdown has been successful in deterring further criminal activities across the state.
“We are committed to making Kano safer,” Kiyawa added. “Our actions are sending a strong message to criminals that their illegal operations will no longer go unnoticed.”
Authorities are now turning their attention to uncovering the source of the counterfeit money and identifying any other individuals involved in the scheme. The police are working alongside financial institutions to understand the scope of the operation and prevent further distribution of fake currency in the state.
The arrest of these three individuals has sent shockwaves through Kano, raising concerns about the circulation of counterfeit money and its potential impact on the economy. The police have promised to remain vigilant, noting that further arrests could be made as investigations continue.
As investigations unfold, citizens are being urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Police say that public cooperation is essential to curbing the spread of counterfeit currencies and ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
“This is a victory for law enforcement and for the people of Kano,” Kiyawa concluded. “We will continue to fight crime and ensure that justice is served.”
The discovery of the fake currency in Kano comes amid growing concerns about criminal activities in the region. With the festive season fast approaching, the police have vowed to maintain a strong presence on the streets to protect residents from criminal activities, including the circulation of counterfeit money and illegal drug trafficking.
In the coming weeks, authorities will likely ramp up their efforts to curb organized crime, with more arrests expected. This case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit currency and the importance of maintaining robust security measures to protect public safety and the economy.
