The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of suspected bandits and motorcycle snatchers, alongside the recovery of arms, ammunition, stolen motorcycles, and rustled cattle in a series of operations across Kebbi State.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the State Police Headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, said the successes were recorded through intelligence-led patrols, strengthened community policing, and joint security operations with other agencies.
“Since my assumption of duty as Commissioner of Police on 12th January 2026, I have undertaken a comprehensive tour of the state and established the Violent Crimes Response Unit to renew my commitment to sustaining lasting peace across Kebbi State,” he said.
Hadejia noted that the state has faced serious security threats, including armed banditry, cattle rustling, motorcycle snatching, and the activities of Lakurawa elements along border corridors.
“These challenges informed key strategic decisions, including strengthening joint security operations, reinforcing community policing architecture, and intensifying intelligence-led patrols,” he stated.
The police boss disclosed that on April 29, operatives on patrol along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai Road intercepted and arrested two suspected bandits identified as Aliyu Hussaini, 23, and Sani Abubakar, 28.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects included 36 rounds of live assault rifle ammunition, one magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 in cash, memory cards, SIM cards, and mobile phones.
“Both suspects confessed to terrorising villages along that axis and are currently in custody for further investigation,” he said.
He further revealed that on May 1, a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Amburusa foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road.
“The suspects attacked the victim with a sharp sack needle and inflicted serious injuries, but they were apprehended, while the motorcycle and weapon were recovered,” Hadejia said.
In another operation on May 2, police officers attached to Kalgo Division arrested one Ashiru Muhammad over a motorcycle snatching attack along the Masalaci Zaria–Jega Road.
“The suspect confessed to conspiring with two others now at large to stab the victim in the head with a knife before stealing his motorcycle. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices,” he added.
The commissioner also gave a summary of recoveries made between January and May 2026, including 10 AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Mack-four rifles, revolver guns, pistols, over 1,200 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, and 40 stolen GSM phones.
He said police also recovered several stolen motorcycles and rustled cattle, including 33 cattle rescued during a joint operation with the Nigerian Army along the Kamba–Kangiwa Road.
In total, he said 47 suspects have been arrested for violent crimes such as armed robbery, banditry, and armed motorcycle snatching.
“These achievements reflect the dedication of our operatives, the effectiveness of joint security operations, and the support of the public,” Hadejia said.
He urged commercial motorcycle riders to remain vigilant and avoid carrying suspicious passengers to isolated locations.
“This has become a common tactic used by armed motorcycle snatchers and bandits. Riders should report any unusual requests to the nearest police station,” he warned.
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