Five suspected members of a robbery and abduction syndicate, who are accused of conducting “one-chance” attacks along main highways in Kebbi State, have been apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force.
SP Bashir Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed the development in a statement released on Thursday.
The suspects, Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar, and Aisha Usmanu, were apprehended during coordinated security operations that took place in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama, and Aliero Local Government Areas.
The syndicate, according to the police, pretended to be commercial vehicle operators in order to entice unsuspecting passengers. They then robbed them at knifepoint and left the victims in isolated shrubbery.
The suspects were reportedly associated with a succession of armed robberies and abductions that occurred along major highways in the state, according to investigations.
The gang allegedly withdrew over N1 million from a victim’s bank account and demanded a ransom from the victim’s relatives in one of the incidents still under investigation before releasing the individual.
The command also disclosed that on April 30, 2026, the group allegedly assaulted a female passenger named Shamsiyya Samaila along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road.
The victim was purportedly robbed of an Infinix Android phone, a power bank, a charger, and an Opay ATM card. Subsequently, N9,000 was withdrawn from the card.
The syndicate’s involvement in numerous “one-chance” robberies and abductions along highways had been discovered by the police, who stated that they were currently making efforts to apprehend other fleeing members.
Commuters were cautioned by the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State to avoid mounting vehicles that were either unregistered or suspicious, and residents were advised to utilise designated motor parks.
He guaranteed that the command would persist in its efforts to eradicate criminal elements from the state and implored the public to furnish security agencies with immediate information.