The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two men for alleged impersonation, criminal conspiracy, and illegal possession of mercury along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border.
State Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, confirmed the arrests while parading the suspects on Wednesday. He said the operation was part of renewed security efforts to curb cross-border crimes.
One of the suspects, Yusuf M. Alhaji from Kano State, was caught on September 21, 2025, by the Divisional Police Officer of Dolekaina in Dandi Local Government Area.
Police said Yusuf was posing as a police constabulary officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to Rijiyar Zaki Division in Kano when he was intercepted near the border.
A search on him led to the discovery of three metal jars filled with liquid mercury, each weighing 34.5 kilograms, with an estimated market value of CFA 2.8 million (about N7.5 million).
Investigations showed the consignment had been smuggled into Nigeria from Lomé, Togo, through the Malleville border. The goods were traced to a second suspect, identified as Tijjani Muhammed, who was later arrested as the alleged sponsor and owner of the items.
Commending the officers involved, CP Sani said, “We 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.”
Both suspects are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi as investigations continue.
