Police Command Arrests Suspected Bandits, Recovers Arms, Ammunition and Stolen Motorcycles

Kebbi Police Command Arrests Suspected Bandits, Recovers Arms, Ammunition and Stolen Motorcycles

Birnin Kebbi, May 4, 2026 – 

The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining peace and combating violent crimes across the state following a series of successful operations carried out by police operatives.

Addressing journalists at the State Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the Commissioner disclosed that since assuming office on January 12, 2026, the Command has intensified security measures through the establishment of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), strengthened joint operations with sister security agencies, enhanced community policing architecture, and increased intelligence-led patrols across the state.

CP Hadejia noted that these efforts were in response to persistent security threats, including armed banditry, cattle rustling, motorcycle snatching, and activities of Lakurawa elements operating along border corridors.

Highlighting recent operational successes, the Commissioner revealed that on April 29, 2026, police operatives on routine patrol along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai Road arrested two suspected bandits identified as Aliyu Hussaini, 23, of Minna, Niger State, and Sani Abubakar, 28, of Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

According to him, items recovered from the suspects included 36 rounds of live assault rifle ammunition, one magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 cash, nine memory cards, four SIM cards, three Android phones, and one keypad phone. The suspects reportedly confessed to terrorising communities along the axis and remain in police custody for further investigation.

In another operation on May 1, 2026, a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Amburusa intercepted two suspects, Hussaini Abubakar and Ukasha Bande, 30, while allegedly attempting to snatch a red Bajaj motorcycle along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road.

The suspects reportedly attacked the motorcycle owner, Nasiru Alhassan, with a sharp sack needle, inflicting serious injuries. The victim is currently receiving treatment at Ambursa Hospital, while the suspects, the recovered motorcycle, and the weapon used have been taken into custody.

Similarly, on May 2, 2026, police operatives attached to Kalgo Division arrested one Ashiru Muhammad, 20, in connection with a motorcycle snatching incident along the Masalaci Zarya–Jega Road.

Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with two fleeing accomplices, identified as Usman Muhammad and Anas Bangola, to attack and rob one Dan’juma Baban Yara, 45, after stabbing him in the head with a knife. The stolen motorcycle was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner further disclosed that between January 2026 and May 4, 2026, the Kebbi State Police Command recorded significant recoveries and arrests, including:

Ten 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 Baretta pistols recovered from suspected criminals, including some Chinese nationals.

A total of 1,229 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, 29 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 40 live cartridges, 16 rounds of Baretta pistol ammunition, and five empty AK-47 magazines.

Seven recovered motorcycles and fifteen additional stolen motorcycles returned to their owners.

Herds of rustled cattle, including 33 cattle recovered during a joint operation with the Nigerian Army along the Kamba–Kangiwa Road on April 3, 2026, during which one suspected bandit was neutralised, as well as eight additional cattle recovered in a follow-up operation.

Forty-seven suspects arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery and banditry to armed motorcycle snatching.

Forty stolen GSM phones recovered, alongside phones and SIM cards linked to bandit activities currently undergoing forensic analysis.

CP Hadejia commended the dedication of police operatives, the cooperation of sister security agencies, and the support of residents in the fight against crime in the state.

He also urged commercial motorcycle riders to remain vigilant and avoid conveying suspicious persons to isolated locations, warning that such tactics are commonly employed by armed motorcycle snatchers and bandits. He encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its resolve to sustain ongoing security operations and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.

Signed:

CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM

Commissioner of Police

Kebbi State Command