The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious armed robber following a well-coordinated operation that led to the recovery of a stolen motorcycle in Gwandu Local Government Area.
The arrest marks another breakthrough in the state’s ongoing crackdown on motorcycle-related crimes.
According to police investigations, the suspect was part of a gang that violently attacked a 32-year-old man, identified as Umar Mode, along the Gwandu–Birnin Kebbi Road.
The victim reportedly sustained deep head injuries after being ambushed and assaulted by the criminals, who fled with his red Boxer motorcycle and a mobile phone.
Police spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said in a statement that the prompt action of law enforcement officers, supported by local vigilantes, led to the arrest of one of the suspects, 22-year-old Basiru Lawali from Bancho village in Sokoto State.
“Upon receiving actionable intelligence, our officers launched a tactical operation that led to the arrest of the prime suspect and the recovery of an unregistered TVS motorcycle,” Abubakar stated.
“The suspect confessed to the crime and revealed the identities of three other gang members currently on the run.”
Preliminary findings revealed that the group had been meeting at Dodoru market to strategise their criminal operations.
Police sources confirmed that the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi for deeper inquiry and possible prosecution.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, commended the Gwandu division for their professionalism and quick response.
He urged the officers to maintain their vigilance and continue routine patrols along major highways notorious for such attacks.
“Criminals must realise that Kebbi is no longer a safe haven for their activities,” the commissioner said. “We will keep the pressure on until every member of this gang is brought to justice.”
He also cautioned commercial motorcyclists to remain alert, especially during late hours, and to avoid picking up unfamiliar passengers in isolated areas.
According to him, the rise in motorcycle-related robberies calls for stronger cooperation between transport operators and security agencies.
Recent police operations in Kebbi have highlighted a troubling trend of motorcycles being used to facilitate crimes.
In earlier arrests, five suspects were caught allegedly supplying motorcycles to bandits, while several bikes intended for criminal activities were confiscated.
Similarly, in June 2025, the police recovered multiple motorcycles abandoned by suspected vandals in Ribah District, reinforcing concerns about the growing link between motorbike theft and wider criminal networks across the state.
AFRIPOST reports that the latest arrest demonstrates the command’s renewed commitment to dismantling these syndicates and ensuring safety along Kebbi’s transport corridors.