Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kebbi State Police Command has delivered a devastating blow to the network of violent criminals terrorizing the northwestern state, announcing the arrest of 49 suspects, including two high-profile bandits and multiple motorcycle snatchers, in a series of coordinated operations across the region over the past two weeks. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar M. Hadejia, who confirmed this to journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, highlighted the command’s intensified collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes as the key to the ongoing success.
The most significant breakthrough came during a routine patrol on April 29. Around 4 p.m., police mobile officers along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai road intercepted two suspected bandits identified as Aliyu Hussaini, 23, from Minna in Niger State, and Sani Abubakar, 28, from Nasarawa Burkullo village in Zamfara State. A search of the suspects immediately revealed the gravity of their operations, leading to the discovery and confiscation of 36 rounds of live assault rifle ammunition, a fully loaded magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, and N264,000 in cash. In a digital age twist, the police also recovered a trove of communication equipment from the suspected bandits: nine memory cards, four SIM cards, three android phones, and one keypad phone. The two suspects have reportedly confessed to orchestrating a reign of terror across villages along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai axis.
The police crackdown was not limited to foreign bandits operating across state lines. On May 1, at about 1 a.m., a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Amburusa intercepted Hussaini Abubakar in conspiracy with Ukasha Bande, 30, along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road. The duo was caught in the act of attempting to snatch a red Bajaj motorcycle (Reg No BRK 749 UT) from its owner, Nasiru Alhassan. In a brutal display of violence, the suspects had used a sharp sack needle to inflict serious injuries on the victim, who is now receiving treatment at Ambursa Hospital. The suspects were apprehended, and the weapon and motorcycle were recovered.
The pressure did not let up for the criminals. On Saturday, May 2, acting on reliable intelligence following a reported motorcycle snatching, officers attached to the Kalgo Division arrested 20-year-old Ashiru Muhammad of Alabani Village. Muhammad confessed to a vicious scheme, admitting he conspired with two still-at-large accomplices to block the Masalaci Zarya–Jega Road. The gang then proceeded to attack a 45-year-old traveller, Dan’juma Baban Yara, stabbing him in the head with a knife before stealing his Bajaj motorcycle. The injured victim is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital Jega, while the suspect and the stolen motorcycle remain in police custody as a manhunt for the fleeing accomplices continues.
The operation’s scope extended deep into the region's economic heart by tackling the scourge of cattle rustling that has crippled local farmers. The police, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army along the Kamba–Kangiwa Road, managed to recover a herd of 33 rustled cattle from suspected members of the notorious Lakurawa terrorist network. Additionally, in a follow-up operation by the DPO Kangiwa, a further eight cattle were recovered, bringing the total seized livestock to 41. The police also revealed they have successfully recovered 22 stolen motorcycles, which have already been released to their legal owners.
The statement by Commissioner Hadejia provided an alarming glimpse into the sheer volume of firepower that has been circulating in the state. He noted that from January to date, the command has recovered a startling arsenal, including 10 AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Mack-four rifles, five locally made revolver guns, five single barrel guns, five Dane guns, two locally made pistols, and three fabricated Beretta pistols recovered from some Chinese nationals. Furthermore, the police also seized over 1,200 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 29 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 16 rounds of pistol ammunition, and 40 live cartridges.
This crackdown comes barely a month after the state was plunged into mourning following a brutal attack by suspected bandits that claimed the lives of at least 44 people. The attack, which took place on the night of April 9 across several villages in Shanga Local Government Area, left a trail of devastation and forced authorities to launch a swift statewide clearance operation. The recovery of such a massive weaponry cache is a stark indicator that while the bandits have been pushed back, the deep-rooted network of arms proliferation remains a significant threat. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these operations, with the Commissioner crediting the bravery of the operatives, the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, and the crucial support of the public.
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