Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspects along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border for alleged criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unlawful possession of prohibited substances.
The police, while parading the suspects, stated that the arrests followed heightened security operations against violent crimes in border communities.
One of the suspects, identified as Yusuf M. Alhaji from Kano State, was apprehended on September 21, 2025, by the Divisional Police Officer of Dolekaina, Dandi Local Government Area.
Yusuf, on the other hand, falsely claimed to be a police constabulary officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to Rijiyar Zaki Division in Kano, and was intercepted while attempting to cross the border.
Upon searching him, officers discovered three metal jars of silver liquid mercury, each weighing 34.5 kilograms, with a total market value of about CFA 2.8m (N7.5m). Investigations revealed the mercury had been smuggled into Nigeria from Lomé, Togo, through the Malleville border.
Police further linked the consignment to one Tijjani Muhammed, 42, who has since been arrested and identified as the sponsor and owner of the smuggled goods.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, praised the Dolekaina divisional team for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring the public that the case, including the impersonation claim, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Sani explained that they are committed to ensuring Kebbi State does not become a safe haven for criminals.
“The public must continue to support the police by providing timely and credible intelligence,” CP Sani said.
The commissioner explained that the suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi, while investigations continue to unravel their network and modus operandi.
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