THE Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended five individuals suspected to be part of a robbery and kidnapping syndicate accused of carrying out several “one-chance” attacks on highways across the state.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the suspects were arrested during coordinated security operations conducted in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero Local Government Areas.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abubakar Muhammad from Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu.
Police investigations revealed that the group allegedly disguised themselves as commercial transport operators to deceive unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning them in remote areas.
According to the command, one victim reportedly lost more than ₦1 million after the suspects allegedly accessed funds from the victim’s bank account and later demanded ransom from family members before releasing the individual.
The police also connected the suspects to another robbery incident that occurred on April 30, 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa axis of the Jega–Kalgo Road.
In that case, a female passenger identified as Shamsiyya Samaila was reportedly dispossessed of her Infinix Android phone, charger, power bank and an Opay ATM card.
Authorities stated that the suspects allegedly withdrew ₦9,000 from the victim’s bank account using the stolen ATM card.
The command noted that ongoing investigations have linked the suspects to several other “one-chance” robbery and abduction incidents on highways within the state.
Police added that efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police advised travellers to avoid boarding suspicious vehicles on highways and instead make use of approved motor parks and bus terminals.
The police command also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and called on residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
