The Nigeria Police Force has detained five alleged members of a robbery and kidnapping gang accused of carrying out “one-chance” attacks on major routes in Kebbi State.
SP Bashir Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
The accused, Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar, and Aisha Usmanu, were detained after a concerted security operation spanning Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama, and Aliero Local Government areas.
Police said the syndicate pretended to be commercial vehicle operators to entice unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and leaving them in the bushland.
Investigations apparently linked the suspects to a slew of armed robberies and abductions along the state’s major roadways.
In one of the cases under investigation, the gang allegedly withdrew almost N1 million from a victim’s bank account and demanded a ransom from the victim’s relatives before releasing the individual.
The command further stated that on April 30, 2026, near the Tashar Hauwa part of the Jega-Kalgo Road, the group allegedly attacked a female passenger named Shamsiyya Samaila.
The victim was alleged to have been robbed of an Infinix Android phone, a power bank, a charger, and an Opay ATM card, with which N9,000 was later withdrawn.
Police claimed investigations had shown the syndicate’s involvement in several “one-chance” robberies and abductions on roads, and that efforts were underway to apprehend other fleeing members.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State reminded commuters not to board unregistered or strange vehicles and advised citizens to utilise approved motor parks.
He reassured the public that the command would continue to increase efforts to clear the state of criminal elements and urged them to assist security services with timely information.