Kebbi Police Record Major Security Gains, Arrest 47 Suspects, Recover Arms, Ammunition and Stolen Property

The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, has disclosed significant operational successes in the fight against armed banditry, cattle rustling, and violent crimes across the state since he assumed duty in January 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the State Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner said the Command had intensified intelligence-led policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and established a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in line with directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

He noted that these measures have contributed to improved security outcomes despite persistent threats from armed groups operating in parts of Kebbi State, particularly along border and rural communities.

According to him, criminal activities such as armed banditry, motorcycle snatching, cattle rustling, and the movement of suspected Lakurawa elements had posed serious challenges to peace and stability in the state, necessitating sustained tactical responses.

Notable Arrests and Operations

CP Hadejia highlighted several recent breakthroughs recorded by the Command.

In one of such operations on April 29, 2026, police mobile officers on routine patrol along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai axis intercepted and arrested two suspected bandits. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Aliyu Hussaini from Minna, Niger State, and 28-year-old Sani Abubakar from Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were found in possession of 36 rounds of live assault rifle ammunition, a magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 in cash, as well as mobile phones and SIM cards.

The Commissioner said the suspects confessed to being involved in terrorising communities along that corridor and are currently assisting investigators.

In a separate incident on May 1, 2026, operatives of the Command intercepted a motorcycle snatching attempt along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road. A patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Amburusa arrested Hussaini Abubakar and his accomplice, Ukasha Bande, while they attempted to dispossess a motorcyclist of his Bajaj motorcycle.

During the attack, the victim sustained serious injuries after being stabbed with a sharp object described as a sack needle. The suspects were apprehended at the scene, while the victim is currently receiving treatment at Ambursa Hospital. The stolen motorcycle and weapon used in the attack were recovered.

Similarly, on May 2, 2026, acting on credible intelligence, police officers attached to the Kalgo Division arrested 20-year-old Ashiru Muhammad of Alabani Village, Makera. The suspect reportedly confessed to conspiring with two others still at large to block the Masalaci Zarya–Jega Road, where they attacked a 45-year-old man, Danjuma Baban Yara, inflicting stab wounds to his head before stealing his motorcycle.

The victim is receiving medical attention at the General Hospital, Jega, while the suspect remains in custody as efforts intensify to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.

Arms, Ammunition, and Motorcycle Recoveries

The Commissioner also revealed that between January 2026 and May 2026, the Command recorded substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition, stolen motorcycles, and rustled livestock.

According to him, a total of ten AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Mack-4 rifles, five locally made revolver guns, five single-barrel guns, five Dane guns, two locally made pistols, and three fabricated Beretta pistols were recovered in various operations, including some involving foreign nationals.

In addition, the police recovered 1,229 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, 29 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 40 live cartridges, 16 rounds of Beretta pistol ammunition, and five empty AK-47 magazines.

The Command also successfully recovered seven stolen motorcycles, while 15 others were traced and returned to their rightful owners.

Cattle Rustling and Joint Operations

CP Hadejia further disclosed that coordinated operations with the Nigerian Army led to the recovery of rustled cattle across affected areas.

On April 3, 2026, a joint operation along the Kamba–Kangiwa axis resulted in the recovery of 33 cattle and the neutralisation of one suspected bandit. In a follow-up operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Kangiwa, an additional eight cattle were recovered and returned to their owners.

Arrests and Forensic Investigations

Within the same period, the Command arrested 47 suspects for various violent crimes, including armed robbery, banditry, and motorcycle snatching.

Furthermore, 40 stolen GSM phones were recovered, alongside additional mobile devices and SIM cards believed to have been used by criminal networks. The items are currently undergoing forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations and dismantle criminal syndicates operating within and outside the state.

Security Advisory to Motorcycle Operators

The Commissioner used the opportunity to issue a warning to commercial motorcycle riders across the state, urging them to be cautious and avoid transporting suspicious individuals to isolated or unfamiliar destinations.

He noted that such practices have increasingly been exploited by criminal elements to facilitate motorcycle snatching and violent attacks on unsuspecting victims.

Riders were further advised to report any suspicious activity or unusual passenger requests to the nearest police station.

Commitment to Sustained Security

CP Hadejia reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in Kebbi State, stressing that ongoing operations will be intensified to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of lives and property.

He also commended the cooperation of sister security agencies, community leaders, and members of the public, noting that their support has been instrumental in recent operational successes.

“The achievements recorded so far reflect the dedication of our operatives, the effectiveness of joint security efforts, and the invaluable support of the public,” he said.

The Command assured residents that it will continue to adopt proactive strategies to confront emerging security threats across the state.