Kebbi: Police bust ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate, arrest five suspects 

The Nigeria Police Force has detained five individuals suspected of belonging to a robbery and abduction syndicate that carried out “one‑chance” attacks on major highways in Kebbi State.

The arrest was announced in a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman.

The suspects—Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar, and Aisha Usmanu—were seized during coordinated security operations in the local government areas of Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero.

Police said the syndicate posed as commercial vehicle operators to lure unsuspecting passengers, then robbed them at knifepoint and left the victims in isolated bushes.

Investigations have linked the suspects to a series of armed robberies and abductions along the state’s main highways.

In one incident under investigation, the gang allegedly withdrew more than N1 million from a victim’s bank account and demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before releasing the person.

The command further disclosed that on 30 April 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road, the group allegedly attacked a female passenger named Shamsiyya Samaila.

The victim was reported to have lost an Infinix Android phone, a power bank, a charger and an Opay ATM card, from which N9 000 was later withdrawn.

Police said investigations have uncovered the syndicate’s involvement in multiple “one‑chance” robberies and abductions along highways, and that efforts are continuing to apprehend other fleeing members.

The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State warned commuters against boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles and advised residents to use designated motor parks.

He assured that the command would keep intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state and urged the public to provide timely information to security agencies.