The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four men for allegedly threatening to kidnap a resident and demanding a ransom of N30 million through anonymous phone calls in Gumbin Kure and Gamjeji villages, Maiyama Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said the suspects were arrested following a complaint lodged by Aminu Garba of Jega, who reported receiving anonymous phone calls demanding N30 million or face abduction.

The suspects were identified as Muhammad Shafiu, 21; Mansur Ibrahim, 21; Aliyu Umar, 25; and Muhammad Suleiman, 23.

“Investigation revealed that the first, second, and third suspects procured a new SIM card and repeatedly called the victim, with one of them disguising his voice to sound like a Fulani man in an attempt to instil fear and conceal his identity,” he said.

He added that further investigation established that the fourth suspect, who is also Mr Garba’s family friend, supplied his phone number and family details, which were used to facilitate the threats.

“Through swift intelligence-led investigation, operatives of the command tracked and arrested the suspects at Gumbin Kure and Gamjeji villages in Maiyama Local Government Area, thwarting the plot before it could be carried out,” Mr Usman said.

The commissioner of police, CP Umar Hadejia, directed that the case be thoroughly investigated and the suspects prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that anyone involved in kidnapping, extortion, or related crimes would face the full weight of the law.