The Kebbi State Police Command has smashed a notorious criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, abduction and “one-chance” operations terrorising commuters along major highways across the state.
Police operatives arrested five suspects linked to the crimes during coordinated operations carried out in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero Local Government Areas.
The suspects identified as Abubakar Muhammad, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu were reportedly apprehended after intelligence-led investigations into a series of attacks targeting unsuspecting passengers.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the gang specialized in disguising as commercial transport operators to lure passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning victims in remote bushes.
Police said the syndicate was also involved in abductions and extortion, revealing that in one case, the criminals allegedly withdrew over ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and demanded ransom from relatives before releasing the victim.
In another incident along the Tashar Hauwa–Jega–Kalgo Road, the suspects allegedly robbed a female passenger, identified as Shamsiyya Samaila, of her phone, power bank, charger and ATM card before withdrawing money from her account.
The Command disclosed that investigations have uncovered the group’s involvement in several “one-chance” robberies and kidnappings along highways in the state, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, warned residents against boarding suspicious vehicles on highways and advised commuters to use only designated motor parks and bus stops.
He assured the public that the Police would sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening the safety of residents and travelers across Kebbi State.
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