BREAKING: Fake Police Officer, Accomplice Nabbed in Kebbi for Smuggling ₦7.5m Worth of Mercury Across Nigeria–Benin Border

The Kebbi State Police Command has smashed a major cross-border smuggling syndicate after arresting two suspects, including a man who posed as a senior police officer, for attempting to ferry dangerous prohibited substances into Nigeria.

Parading the suspects before journalists on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, the State Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, said the arrests followed an intensified security crackdown on criminal activities in border communities.

According to the commissioner, one of the suspects, Yusuf M. Alhaji, a native of Kano State, was arrested on September 21, 2025, by the Divisional Police Officer of Dolekaina in Dandi Local Government Area. Yusuf had allegedly been impersonating a police officer with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), claiming to be attached to the Rijiyar Zaki Division in Kano.

His cover was blown when security operatives intercepted him while attempting to sneak across the Nigeria–Benin Republic border.

A thorough search on him led to the shocking discovery of three metal jars of silver liquid mercury, each weighing 34.5 kilograms, with a staggering street value of CFA 2.8 million (₦7.5 million).

Investigations further revealed that the contraband was smuggled into Nigeria from Lomé, Togo, through the Malleville border, and traced back to one Tijjani Muhammed, identified as the sponsor and owner of the illicit consignment. He was subsequently arrested by police operatives.

“The suspects will face the full weight of the law. We will not allow Kebbi to become a sanctuary for criminals and smugglers. We urge the public to continue supporting the police with credible intelligence,” CP Sani declared.

The two suspects are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, as investigations widen to unmask other members of the smuggling ring.