The Kebbi State Police Command has recorded fresh success in its fight against crime with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of illegal firearms during a week-long security operation across the state. The operation, which took place between December 21 and December 26, 2025, was aimed at reducing kidnapping, stopping threats to residents, and curbing the spread of illegal weapons.
The police said the arrests followed intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations carried out in different parts of Kebbi State. These efforts, according to the command, are part of ongoing measures to improve public safety and restore confidence among residents, especially in rural communities that have faced security concerns in recent times.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bashar Usman. He said the command acted on credible information and complaints from members of the public who reported threats and suspicious activities in their communities.
According to the statement, one of the suspects arrested is Iliya D. Bano, a resident of Yarbuga village in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. He was accused of threatening the village head of Yar Ali village and another resident. The suspect allegedly warned them that they would be kidnapped if they failed to pay a ransom of N500,000.
SP Usman explained that the threat caused fear and tension in the affected community, prompting residents to alert the police. Acting on the report, police operatives tracked and arrested the suspect. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and provided useful information to investigators.
“The suspect confessed during interrogation and gave information that led to the identification of an accomplice who is currently at large,” the police spokesman said. He added that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and bring him to justice.
In a related incident in the same Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, the police arrested another suspect, Danisa Yakub, from Tafki village. The suspect was accused of demanding the sum of N1 million from a resident of Koliko village under the threat of kidnapping.
According to the police, the suspect used fear and intimidation to pressure the victim into paying the money. Investigations revealed that the threat was serious and had caused anxiety among residents of the area.
SP Usman stated that the suspect admitted his involvement in criminal activities. “The suspect admitted his involvement in a previous kidnapping incident in the area,” he said. This confession, according to the police, further confirmed the link between extortion threats and actual kidnapping cases in the local government area.
Kidnapping and kidnapping threats have remained a major concern in parts of northern Nigeria in recent years. Criminal groups often demand ransom from individuals, families, or community leaders, using fear to force compliance. In some cases, victims are abducted, while in others, criminals rely on threats alone to extort money.
In Kebbi State, security agencies have increased efforts to prevent such crimes before they happen. The recent arrests show a shift towards early intervention, where threats are treated seriously and acted upon quickly.
Meanwhile, in Kalgo Local Government Area, police operatives recorded another breakthrough with the recovery of ten locally fabricated firearms. The weapons were recovered from three suspects identified as Aliyu Muhammad Sambawa, Salihu Haruna, and Suleiman Isah.
The suspects were arrested during a patrol and search operation carried out by the police. According to the command, the suspects could not give satisfactory explanations for possessing the firearms. As a result, the weapons were seized, and the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.
Illegal firearms are often used by criminals to carry out kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. Security experts have warned that the spread of locally made guns poses a serious threat to peace and security, especially in rural areas where access to security services can be limited.
The recovery of the weapons in Kalgo Local Government Area is seen as a major step in reducing the ability of criminal groups to operate freely. The police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects are linked to any criminal gangs or recent violent incidents in the area.
Reacting to the arrests and recoveries, the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Bello Sani, praised the efforts of officers involved in the operations. He attributed the success to sustained patrols, teamwork, and the use of reliable intelligence.
“These arrests and recoveries are a result of our commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations across Kebbi State,” CP Sani said. He noted that the command has adopted a strategy that focuses on preventing crime rather than only responding after crimes have been committed.
The police commissioner assured residents that all suspects currently in custody would be thoroughly investigated. He said those found to have committed crimes would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
CP Sani also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police and other security agencies. He stressed that security is a shared responsibility and that timely information from residents can help prevent crimes and save lives.
“We urge the public to provide useful and timely information to the police. When the community and security agencies work together, criminals will have no place to hide,” he said.
Over the past few months, the Kebbi State Police Command has increased visibility patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance, especially in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities. These efforts are in line with national security goals to reduce crime and improve safety across the country.
Residents of affected communities have welcomed the recent arrests, describing them as a relief. Some community members said the presence of criminals and threats of kidnapping had disrupted daily life and economic activities, particularly farming and trading.
The police command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements across the state. According to SP Usman, the command will not relent in its efforts to ensure peace, protect lives and property, and maintain law and order.