One-Chance robbery syndicate members arrested in Kebbi after police linked suspects to highway robberies and abductions

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspected members of a notorious one-chance robbery syndicate accused of carrying out highway robberies and abductions across parts of Kebbi State.

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The suspects, identified by police as Abubakar Muhammad, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu, were apprehended during coordinated security operations conducted in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero local government areas.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, the syndicate allegedly operated by disguising themselves as commercial transport operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning victims in isolated bushes.

Police investigations reportedly linked the suspects to several armed robbery and abduction incidents along major highways within the state.

“The syndicate specialised in posing as commercial vehicle operators, luring passengers, and robbing them at knifepoint or with threats, often abandoning victims in remote bushes,” the statement said.

The police further disclosed that in one of the cases under investigation, the gang allegedly withdrew more than ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before releasing the person.

Authorities also linked the suspects to an attack that allegedly occurred on April 30, 2026, along the Tashar Hauwa section of the Jega–Kalgo Road.

During the incident, a female passenger identified as Shamsiyya Samaila was reportedly robbed of an Infinix Android phone, a power bank, charger and an Opay ATM card.

Police said the suspects later withdrew ₦9,000 from the victim’s account using the stolen card.

“Further investigations uncovered the syndicate’s involvement in multiple ‘one-chance’ robberies and abductions along the highways,” the statement added.

The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State urged commuters to remain vigilant and avoid boarding suspicious vehicles on highways.

Residents were also advised to make use of designated motor parks and recognised bus stations when travelling.

“The Command assures the public that criminal elements will be pursued relentlessly and urges residents to continue providing timely information,” Bashir Usman stated.

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The latest arrests come days after the Lagos State Police Command arrested six suspected members of another alleged one-chance robbery syndicate operating around Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of Lagos State.