The police in Kebbi State have arrested five men for allegedly conspiring to supply motorcycles to bandits terrorizing residents of the State.
Police spokesperson, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement on Monday, said the suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, abetment, and unlawful possession of three Honda motorcycles, valued at about N5.4 million, allegedly meant to aid terrorist activities.
The suspects were identified as Saifullahi Suleiman, 37; Halidu Adamu, 26; Ibrahim Abubakar, 37; and Sani Kabiru, 22 — all residents of Kamba town, Dandi Local Government Area. They were apprehended on September 18 by a joint patrol team of police officers and vigilantes.
Abubakar described the arrest as a “breakthrough” in efforts to curb violent crime, noting that the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kamba Division, Bello Lawal.
Investigations revealed that the motorcycles were smuggled from the Benin Republic and were to be delivered to the Lakurawa terrorist group through an unidentified accomplice based in Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area.
Abubakar also disclosed that another suspect, Mubarak Ladan, 28, was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe the DPO with N600,000 to secure the release of the detained men.
State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi to intensify efforts to track down other accomplices.
The commissioner commended the Kamba DPO and vigilantes for their professionalism and urged divisional heads across the state to emulate their commitment.
“The commissioner appealed to residents to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring that collective effort is key to achieving lasting peace and security in the State,” the statement added.