Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, has unveiled a remarkable success story in the operations against armed banditry, cattle rustling and violent crimes across the state since his assumption of office in January, 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner said the Command had enhanced intelligence-led policing, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and created a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) as directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He said the steps had yielded improved security outcomes in spite of the continued threats from armed groups operating in some sections of Kebbi State, especially along border and rural villages.
He said that criminal activities like as armed banditry, snatching of motorcycles, rustling of cattle and movement of suspected elements of the Lakurawa had posed severe threats to peace and stability in the state and called for persistent tactical responses.
Notable Operations and Arrests
CP Hadejia disclosed some of the recent breakthroughs made by the Command.
On one of such operations on 29th of April, 2026, police mobile officers on routine patrol along Bena – Mai Rai Rai axis caught two suspected bandits. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Aliyu Hussaini from Minna, Niger State and 28-year-old Sani Abubakar from Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were found with 36 rounds of live assault rifle ammunition, a magazine, a Bajaj motorcycle, ₦264,000 in cash, and mobile phones and SIM cards.
“The suspects confessed to being involved in terrorising communities along that corridor and are now assisting investigators,” added the commissioner.
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Another instance occurred on May 1, 2026, when agents of the Command prevented a motorcycle snatching attempt along the Amburusa-Sanyinna Road. Hussaini Abubakar and his accomplice Ukasha Bande were apprehended by a patrol squad lead by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Amburusa while attempting to dispossess a biker of his Bajaj motorcycle.
The victim was stabbed with a sharp item, a bag needle, and suffered major injuries during the incident. The culprits were arrested on the spot as the victim is undergoing treatment at Ambursa Hospital. The stolen motorbike and weapon used in the attack were recovered.”
Also on May 2, 2026, police officers connected to Kalgo Division apprehended Ashiru Muhammad, 20, of Alabani Village, Makera, on credible intelligence. It was gathered that the suspect admitted collaborating with two others who are still at large to block the Masalaci Zarya-Jega Road where they attacked a 45-year-old man, Danjuma Baban Yara and stabbed him in the head before seizing his motorcycle.
The victim is receiving medical attention at General Hospital, Jega and the culprit is being detained as attempts are being intensified to arrest his fleeing accomplices.
Recovered Firearms and Munitions and Motorcycles
The Commissioner further said that the Command made huge recoveries of rifles, ammunition, stolen motorcycles and rustled livestock from January 2026 to May 2026.
A total of ten AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Mack-4 rifles, five locally made revolver guns, five single-barrel guns, five Dane guns, two locally made pistols and three fabricated Beretta pistols were recovered in various operations, including some involving foreign nationals, he said.
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The police also seized 1,229 rounds of live AK-47 ammo, 29 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 40 live cartridges, 16 rounds of Beretta pistol ammunition and five empty AK-47 magazines.
The Command also recovered seven stolen motorcycles while 15 others were traced and restored to their respective owners.
Co-ordinated Operations with Cattle Rusting
CP Hadejia also claimed that coordinated actions with the Nigerian Army led to the recovery of rustled cattle in the affected areas.
On April 3, 2026, a coordinated operation along the Kamba-Kangiwa axis led to the recapture of 33 heads of cattle and neutralisation of one accused bandit. The Divisional Police Officer in Kangiwa, in a follow up operation, recovered another eight animals and returned them to their owners.
Arrests; Forensic Investigations
During the same period, the Command detained 47 individuals for other violent crimes such armed robbery, banditry and snatching of motorcycles.
The operation also saw the recovery of 40 stolen GSM phones and other mobile devices and SIM cards believed to have been used by criminal networks. The objects are now being forensically examined to assist with ongoing investigations and the breaking up of criminal syndicates both within and beyond the state.
Security Advisory – Motorcycle Operator
The Commissioner took the opportunity to advise commercial motorcycle riders in the state to be cautious and not carry suspicious individuals to secluded or unknown areas.
He said such tactics have been increasingly abused by criminal elements to facilitate motorbike stealing and violent attacks on unsuspecting victims.
Riders were asked to report any suspicious activities or strange demands from passengers to the nearest police station.
The CP Hadejia reiterated the commitment of the Command to the maintenance of peace and security in Kebbi State, noting that the ongoing operations would be increased to dismantle the criminal networks and secure the safety of persons and property.
He also praised the collaboration of sister security services, community leaders and members of the public, saying their backing had been important in recent operations victories.
“The successes recorded so far are indicative of the commitment of our operatives, the efficacy of joint security efforts and the invaluable support of the public,” he said.
The Command, meanwhile, informed people of its readiness to adopt proactive approaches in addressing rising security challenges in the state.
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