Ayomidele Oluwasusi
The Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command has raised the alarm over the existence of fake operatives in Plateau State who use its name to rob members of the public of their valuables, especially motorcycles.
In a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman for the state police command, Alabo Alfred, said the criminals who have formed themselves into a cartel and operate along Kworos-Gangare, Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of the state are not members of the force.
“The Plateau State Police Command wishes to notify members of the public of the emergence and activity of an unidentified criminal cartel operating at Kworos-Gangare, Barkin-Ladi LGA of Plateau State, who disguise as police operatives to deceive unsuspecting motorcyclists, especially commercial bike riders popularly known as ‘okada’ and get away with their motorcycles.
“These tricksters usually intercept motorcyclists en route, and give them the impression that they are policemen, requesting motorcycle owners to give them their bikes to quickly rush to the station to get something thereafter, they abscond with the motorcycles and never return.
“In view of the foregoing ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Adesina, urges members of the public to be wary of these criminals to avoid being their victims, just as he assured all that appropriate measures have been put in place to smash the cartel.
“Notwithstanding, members of the public should note that the ban on the use of commercial motorcycles within Jos and Bukuru metropolis is still enforced.” said the police statement.
The Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina, however, urged the general public to report any suspicious activity to the police.