Police Nab Dozens, Seize Weapons in Kebbi Crackdown
By Yusuf Gwandu
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 47 suspects for various violent crimes and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and stolen property in ongoing security operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, outlining achievements recorded since he assumed office on January 12, 2026.
Hadejia said the command had intensified intelligence-led patrols, strengthened community policing, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to tackle rising threats such as armed banditry, cattle rustling, and motorcycle snatching, as well as activities of suspected Lakurawa elements along border areas.
He noted that on April 29, 2026, police operatives on patrol along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai Road arrested two suspected bandits, identified as Aliyu Hussaini, 23, from Niger State, and Sani Abubakar, 28, from Zamfara State. Items recovered from them included 36 rounds of live ammunition, a magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, and memory cards. The suspects reportedly confessed to terrorising communities in the area.
In another operation on May 1, a patrol team along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road foiled a motorcycle snatching attempt, arresting two suspects who allegedly attacked a victim with a sharp object. The victim is currently receiving treatment, while the suspects remain in custody.
Similarly, on May 2, police in Kalgo Division arrested a 20-year-old suspect linked to a motorcycle snatching incident along the Masalaci Zarya–Jega Road. The suspect reportedly confessed to attacking a victim and stealing his motorcycle. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.
Providing a broader operational update, the commissioner revealed that between January and May 2026, the command recovered multiple firearms, including AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated weapons, revolvers, and pistols. Over 1,200 rounds of live ammunition were also seized.
He added that several stolen motorcycles had been recovered, with some already returned to their owners, while herds of rustled cattle were also retrieved during joint operations with the Nigerian Army.
Hadejia attributed the successes to the dedication of police personnel, inter-agency cooperation, and public support.
He urged residents, particularly commercial motorcycle riders, to remain vigilant and avoid conveying suspicious persons, noting that criminals often exploit such means to carry out attacks.
The commissioner assured that the command would sustain its efforts to ensure lasting peace and security across Kebbi State.
