By Hauwa Mohammed 

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested at least 47 suspects involved in various violent crimes and recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and stolen property in a sustained crackdown across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, disclosed this on May 4, 2026, during a press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

He highlighted achievements recorded since assuming office on January 12, 2026, noting that the command had adopted proactive strategies to address prevailing security challenges.

The CP explained that the command established a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) with the approval of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and sustain peace in the state.

He identified major security threats to include armed banditry, cattle rustling, motorcycle snatching, and activities of suspected Lakurawa elements along border areas. According to him, the police responded by intensifying intelligence-led patrols, strengthening community policing, and enhancing collaboration with other security agencies.

Providing operational details, Hadejia said that on April 29, 2026, police operatives on patrol along the Bena–Mai Rai Rai Road arrested two suspected bandits and recovered 36 rounds of live ammunition, a magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 cash, phones, SIM cards, and memory cards. The suspects reportedly confessed to terrorising communities in the area.

In another incident on May 1, a patrol team foiled a motorcycle snatching attempt along the Amburusa–Sanyinna Road, arresting two suspects who attacked a victim with a sharp object. The victim is currently receiving treatment, while the suspects remain in custody.

Similarly, on May 2, police in Kalgo Division arrested a 20-year-old suspect linked to a motorcycle snatching operation along the Masalaci Zarya–Jega Road.

The suspect reportedly confessed to attacking a victim and stealing his motorcycle, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.

The commissioner further revealed that between January and May 2026, the command recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, several locally fabricated firearms, revolvers, pistols, and over 1,200 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, seven motorcycles were recovered, while 15 stolen ones were returned to their owners.

He added that herds of rustled cattle were also recovered during joint operations with the Nigerian Army, including 33 cattle retrieved along the Kamba–Kangiwa Road, where one bandit was neutralised, and additional recoveries in follow-up operations.

The command also recovered 40 stolen mobile phones and other digital items, now undergoing forensic analysis.

Hadejia attributed the successes to the dedication of police personnel, effective inter-agency collaboration, and public support. He urged residents, particularly commercial motorcycle riders, to remain vigilant and avoid conveying suspicious individuals, noting that criminals often exploit such means to carry out attacks.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing operations to ensure lasting peace and security across Kebbi State.