The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate incidents, reinforcing its commitment to tackling crime across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, revealed that officers in Koko town apprehended a group of suspected ritualists on February 4, 2025, following credible intelligence.
According to the police, the suspects—Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice identified as Idrisu Yauri, who is currently at large—allegedly defrauded one Shamsu Adamu of ₦2,025,000 under the false promise of printing CFA currency worth thirty million.
“When the victim could no longer provide additional money as they demanded, the suspects allegedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he produced a child for ritual purposes,” the statement read. “Out of fear, he handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu.”
Police operatives from the Koko Divisional Headquarters, acting swiftly, raided the location and arrested the suspects before any harm could come to the child.
During the operation, officers recovered ritual-related items, including a calabash, white and black clothes, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms.
In a separate operation on February 9, 2025, a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, and his two passengers, Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu, were attacked by four armed men while traveling to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The attackers, armed with sticks and knives, launched a violent assault, but the victims’ cries for help alerted police officers stationed nearby.
“Upon receiving the distress call, officers rushed to the scene and managed to arrest two of the suspects, Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan,” Abubakar stated. “A knife was recovered, while the remaining two suspects escaped.”
Commending his men for their swift action, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, applauded their professionalism and urged them to remain proactive.
“I commend my officers for their vigilance and swift response,” CP Sani said. “We will not relent in our efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.”
He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspects and ensuring a thorough investigation.
The police chief reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security.
“We urge the public to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities,” he added.
