Police foil mob action against suspected motorcycle thieves in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has foiled an attempt by an angry mob to lynch two persons accused of motorcycle theft and recovered seven motorcycles following a violent incident in the Gesse Phase 1 area of Birnin Kebbi.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said the incident occurred on August 26, 2026, when the two suspects, Rufai Salihu and Aliyu Muhammad, were attacked by a mob over allegations of motorcycle theft.

He said police operatives swiftly intervened and rescued the suspects, who sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

According to him, one Boxer motorcycle was recovered from the suspects during the operation.

Usman said the situation later escalated when the mob attempted to attack a police facility in the area, prompting the command to deploy reinforcements.

He said the mob was subsequently dispersed, while seven motorcycles abandoned during the incident were recovered and impounded.

The two suspects are assisting the police in ongoing investigations to establish their alleged involvement in motorcycle theft and identify other persons connected to the criminal activity.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, condemned the resort to jungle justice and urged members of the public to allow the police and other lawful authorities to investigate allegations and bring offenders to justice.

He warned that anyone who participates in mob action, attacks police personnel or facilities, or otherwise takes the law into their own hands would face the full consequences of the law.

Hadejia reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining its crackdown on motorcycle theft and other forms of criminality across the state.