The Kebbi State Police Command says it has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing fight against armed banditry, motorcycle snatching, and other violent crimes across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, disclosed this on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, noting that the achievements, which followed intensified intelligence-led patrols and joint security operations, reflect strengthened collaboration and community policing efforts since he assumed duty on 12 January 2026.
He said the Command, in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has established a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) and stepped up coordinated operations with other security agencies. According to him, these measures were necessitated by rising incidents of banditry, cattle rustling, and attacks along border communities and major highways.
Highlighting recent arrests, the Commissioner said on 29 April 2026, police operatives intercepted two suspected bandits along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai road, recovering ammunition, a motorcycle, cash, phones, and SIM cards. The suspects reportedly confessed to terrorising nearby villages. In another incident on 1 May, police arrested two suspects who attempted to snatch a motorcycle on the Amburusa–Sanyinna axis, injuring the victim during the attack.
On 2 May, a further arrest was made following intelligence-led operations after a violent robbery along the Masalaci Zarya–Jega road. One suspect was apprehended while two others remain at large. The victim, who sustained stab injuries, is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Jega.
Hadejia afurther revealed that between January and May 2026, the Command recovered a significant cache of arms, including AK-47 rifles, locally fabricated weapons, ammunition, stolen motorcycles, and rustled cattle. He added that 47 suspects were arrested for various violent crimes within the period, while several stolen GSM phones and communication devices linked to criminal activities are undergoing forensic analysis.
The Commissioner commended the support of residents and security partners, while warning commercial motorcycle riders against conveying suspicious passengers to isolated areas, noting that such practices are increasingly being exploited by criminals.
He assured that the Command remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across Kebbi State
