Police arrest two for conspiracy, impersonation at Nigeria–Benin border

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two men along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border for alleged criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unlawful possession of prohibited substances.

Parading the suspects, the command said the arrests followed intensified security operations in border communities to curb violent and economic crimes.

One of the suspects, identified as Yusuf M. Alhaji from Kano State, was intercepted on September 21, 2025, by officers in Dolekaina, Dandi Local Government Area.

He allegedly posed as a police constabulary officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to Rijiyar Zaki Division in Kano.

During a search, officers recovered three metal jars of silver liquid mercury weighing 34.5 kilograms each, with an estimated market value of CFA 2.8 million (₦7.5 million).

Investigators discovered the consignment had been smuggled into Nigeria from Lomé, Togo, through the Malleville border.

The police later arrested a second suspect, 42-year-old Tijjani Muhammed, identified as the owner and sponsor of the smuggled goods.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, commended the Dolekaina divisional team for their vigilance, assuring that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

He warned that the state would not be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminals, urging residents to support security agencies with timely intelligence.

The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi as investigations continue into their network and activities.