The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate operations as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the first arrest occurred on February 4, 2025, at about 7:00 PM when police operatives in Koko town apprehended a group of suspected ritualists.
The suspects—Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, and Usman Inda—along with an accomplice still at large, Idrisu Yauri, allegedly defrauded one Shamsu Adamu of N2,025,000 under the false pretense of printing CFA currency worth N30 million. When Adamu failed to provide additional funds, the suspects reportedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he provided a child for ritual sacrifice. Out of fear, Adamu handed over his four-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu.
Acting on intelligence, officers from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters raided the suspects’ hideout and arrested them in the act. Items recovered from the scene included a calabash, white and black clothes, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms.
In a separate incident on February 9, 2025, at about 8:00 PM, a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, was transporting Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi LGA when they were ambushed by four armed men. The attackers, armed with sticks and knives, assaulted their victims, but their cries for help attracted police officers stationed at a nearby checkpoint.
Responding swiftly, the officers arrested two of the attackers, identified as Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan, while the remaining suspects managed to escape. A knife was recovered from the scene.
Commending his officers for their rapid response, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, urged them to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling crime. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure a thorough investigation leading to prosecution.