The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to a series of armed robberies, abductions, and “one-chance” operations along major highways across the state.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar, and Aisha Usmanu, were apprehended during coordinated police operations targeting criminal activities in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama, and Aliero Local Government Areas.
According to the police, the syndicate allegedly operated by disguising themselves as commercial transport operators, luring unsuspecting passengers into their vehicles before robbing them at knifepoint or through intimidation. Victims were reportedly abandoned in isolated areas after being dispossessed of their valuables.
Police investigations revealed that in one of the cases, the suspects allegedly withdrew more than ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and also demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before securing the person’s release.
In another incident recorded on April 30, 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road, the gang allegedly robbed a female passenger, identified as Shamsiyya Samaila, of her Infinix Android phone, power bank, charger, and Opay ATM card. Investigators said the suspects later withdrew ₦9,000 from the stolen ATM card.
The police said further investigations connected the group to multiple one-chance robberies and abduction cases along key highways within the state, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police advised commuters to avoid boarding suspicious vehicles on highways and urged members of the public to patronise designated motor parks and bus stations for safer travel.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
