Operatives from the Plateau State Police Command have successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of being part of a phone-snatching syndicate operating in Jos and its surrounding areas.

The arrest was confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, Mr. Alfred Alabo, who provided details of the incident to journalists in Jos on Friday.

Alabo explained that the suspects were caught in the act while attempting to steal a resident’s mobile phone near the Rantya community in the Jos South Local Government Area. According to him, the group had been using tricycles to execute their criminal activities.

They would disguise themselves as legitimate commercial riders, luring unsuspecting victims to board their vehicles. Once the victims were inside, they would steal their belongings.

The arrest occurred on August 29, at approximately 2:00 p.m., when police officers intercepted the suspects at the Rantya roundabout just as they were about to flee with a stolen mobile phone.

During interrogation, the trio admitted to being part of a larger syndicate that focuses on stealing valuable items, particularly mobile phones, in the Rantya area. They also revealed a sinister tactic: the use of hypnosis to further disorient and rob their victims.

In addition to their confessions, the police recovered several items from the suspects, including an Android smartphone and the tricycle they had been using for their operations, which bore the registration number PT 17437.

Mr. Alabo emphasized that the command remains committed to curbing criminal activities in the state and urged residents to be vigilant, particularly when engaging with unfamiliar commercial transport services.

This arrest, he noted, is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to make Plateau State safer for its citizens.