Kebbi: Police bust ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate, arrest five suspects 

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspected members of a robbery and abduction syndicate accused of operating “one-chance” attacks along major highways in Kebbi State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman.

The suspects, Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu, were apprehended during coordinated security operations across Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero Local Government Areas.

Police said the syndicate posed as commercial vehicle operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning victims in isolated bushes.

Investigations reportedly linked the suspects to a series of armed robberies and abductions along major highways in the state.

In one of the incidents under investigation, the gang allegedly withdrew over N1 million from a victim’s bank account and also demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before releasing the person.

The command further disclosed that on April 30, 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road, the group allegedly attacked a female passenger identified as Shamsiyya Samaila.

The victim was said to have been dispossessed of an Infinix Android phone, power bank, charger and an Opay ATM card, from which N9,000 was later withdrawn.

Police said investigations had uncovered the syndicate’s involvement in multiple “one-chance” robberies and abductions along highways, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members.

The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State warned commuters against boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles and advised residents to use designated motor parks.

He assured that the command would continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and urged the public to provide timely information to security agencies.