The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested three suspects specialised in robbing women’s bags at social gatherings in Katsina.

The suspects included two minors and a 19-year-old boy, said Mohammed-Tukur Abdara, the NSCDC spokesman, on Tuesday in Katsina.

According to him, the gang used the youngest member of the gang, aged 10, to go into houses where social events were taking place to steal valuables from women’s bags.

The spokesperson added that the gang used a tricycle to comb the town for homes to attack.

“The 19-year-old suspect is the one riding the tricycle which they normally use for their operations. While a 10-year-old boy, whom they normally give clean clothes and even wireless earphones, is used to entering any place where an event is going on, especially a wedding or naming ceremony,” said the NSCDC official.

He added, “Because he dressed very clean, people would think he was an innocent boy and part of the ceremony. He then used the opportunity to search women’s bags and go away with their phones and other valuables.”

According to Mr Abdara, when he got anything useful, he handed it to his 16-year-old accomplice, who rushed out to where they parked the tricycle.

“Unfortunately for them, the little boy was caught at a wedding ceremony, which led to the arrest of the other two suspects while trying to escape. The tire of the tricycle got spoiled, and they were all arrested,” he added.

The NSCDC spokesman said that during an investigation, the suspects revealed the identity of a similar gang operating in Katsina.

“For the little boy, we have informed his parents since September 30, but up till now, we have not seen any of them. At the end of the investigation, the boy will be taken for counselling,” said the NSCDC spokesman. “The other suspect that claimed to be 16 years old, we are still investigating. If we find he is 18 or beyond, we are going to prosecute him together with the 19-year-old suspect.”

(NAN)