The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of a resident and abduction of his wife in Birnin Kebbi, as part of intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping and related crimes in the state.
The Command, in a statement on Tuesday, confirmed that the abducted victim, Zainab Mohammad, has been rescued and reunited with her family following coordinated operations by the State Intelligence Department (SID) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), supported by credible intelligence and technical tracking.
Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said the arrests followed investigations into the March 13, 2026 incident at Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi, where gunmen killed Sufiyanu Garba and abducted his wife, an attack that drew widespread concern and condemnation from authorities.
Those arrested include Zakariya Abubakar Diggi, Joseph Dahali Wanda, Sanda Alhaji, Mamman Abubakar Manu, Aisha Manu, Saudatu Abubakar, Abubakar Muhammad, Betuwa Muhammad, Abdullahi Umaru, and Ja’I Garba.
Preliminary findings showed that two of the suspects, Diggi and Wanda, are SIM registration agents accused of fraudulently registering SIM cards with proxy identities, which were later used by kidnappers to negotiate ransom. Others are being investigated for various roles in the crime, while efforts continue to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the operatives for their professionalism, assuring that the suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations, while reiterating the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and preventing future occurrences.
