The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspected members of a robbery and abduction syndicate accused of operating “one-chance” attacks along major highways in Kebbi State.
The suspects identified by the police as Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu were apprehended during what the command described as coordinated security operations across Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero local government areas.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the syndicate allegedly posed as commercial vehicle operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning victims in isolated bushes.
The police said investigations linked the suspects to a series of armed robberies and abductions along major highways in the state.
“The syndicate specialised in posing as commercial vehicle operators, luring passengers, and robbing them at knifepoint or with threats, often abandoning victims in remote bushes,” the statement said.
Police disclosed that in one of the incidents under investigation, the gang allegedly withdrew more than ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and also demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before releasing the person.
The command further revealed that on April 30, 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road, the same group allegedly attacked a female passenger identified as Shamsiyya Samaila.
According to the statement, the victim was dispossessed of an Infinix Android phone, power bank, charger and an Opay ATM card, from which the suspects allegedly withdrew ₦9,000.
“Further investigations uncovered the syndicate’s involvement in multiple ‘one-chance’ robberies and abductions along the highways,” the police added, noting that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police in the state warned commuters against boarding suspicious vehicles on highways and advised residents to use designated motor parks and bus stations.
“The Command assures the public that criminal elements will be pursued relentlessly and urges residents to continue providing timely information,” SP Usman stated.
On Sunday, the Lagos State Police Command arrested six suspected members of a notorious “one chance” robbery syndicate allegedly operating around Ago Palace Way in Okota area of the state.
The suspects were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation conducted by operatives along Ago Palace Way.
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