The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspects for criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unlawful importation of prohibited goods in a major security breakthrough along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border.
Fake Police Officer Arrested in Dandi LGA
One of the suspects, Yusuf M. Alhaji from Kano State, was intercepted by the Divisional Police Officer in Dolekaina, Dandi Local Government Area. Yusuf allegedly posed as a special constabulary officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, claiming attachment to Rijiyar Zaki Divisional Headquarters in Kano State.
Police investigations revealed he was in possession of three metal jars of liquid mercury, each weighing 34.5kg. The seized mercury had a total value of 2.8 million CFA francs (₦7.5 million) and was allegedly imported illegally without proper registration or licensing.
Mercury Smuggled Through Togo Border
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Birnin Kebbi discovered that the mercury was smuggled from Lomé, Togo, through the Malleville border. The smuggling was allegedly financed by Tijjani Muhammed, who was also arrested and identified as the rightful owner of the contraband.
Police say further investigations are ongoing to unravel the suspects’ modus operandi and apprehend other accomplices involved in the illegal trade.
Questions Over Impersonation
The case has also raised serious concerns about impersonation in the force. Authorities noted that Yusuf, who has only one eye, managed to claim affiliation with the Kano State Police Command’s special constabulary unit—casting doubts about how he gained such false recognition.
Commissioner Commends Officers’ Gallantry
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, praised the DPO of Dolekaina and his team for their gallantry in intercepting the suspects and maintaining security in border communities.
“We urge members of the public to support the Police with credible intelligence that will help us curb the infiltration of criminals into Nigeria,” CP Sani appealed.
The Bureau News Security Desk Update
This arrest reinforces the challenges of cross-border smuggling in Nigeria’s northwest and the risks posed by fake security personnel. As reported by The Bureau News, intelligence collaboration remains vital in strengthening border security.
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