Police arrest 13 suspects over terrorism, banditry in Kebbi
Kebbi State Police Arrest 13 Suspects Linked to Terrorism and Banditry
Kebbi State Police Command reported the arrest of 13 suspects involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms over the past month.
Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia made this announcement on Wednesday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, detailing recent security operations and achievements of the police command.
Hadejia indicated that the arrests were a result of intelligence-led policing and collaborative efforts with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
“The command is dedicated to protecting lives and property while maintaining pressure on criminal elements within the state,” he stated.
Among the notable arrests, Hadejia reported that on June 5, police operatives from the Mobile Force in Bagudo Local Government Area apprehended three individuals suspected of being affiliated with Boko Haram. The suspects—Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Abubakar—were arrested along the Illo-Lolo Road while allegedly attempting to procure food supplies for criminals. Preliminary investigations connected them to a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of three Federal Road Safety Corps personnel in Illo on June 4.
Hadejia confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
On June 7, four suspected bandits associated with the Lakurawa group were detained along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo. The suspects—Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu, and Yahaya Shehu—are being investigated for their alleged roles in armed banditry within the SODA Forest.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Murtala Sani from Zazzagawa Village on June 9 for reportedly providing logistical support to Lakurawa terrorists. Authorities allege he supplied food and beverages to the group and was connected to the movement of a suspected terrorist member, Amadu Umar.
Additionally, Ayuba Ibrahim from Bakin Ruwa was arrested on June 11 for allegedly acting as an informant and supporter of bandits. Police recovered a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and items believed to be related to criminal activities during his arrest.
Also captured was 42-year-old Aliyu Jibrin from Kwakware Village, who was found with a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.
Hadejia emphasized the command’s commitment to aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified hotspots, resulting in improved security and greater protection for vulnerable communities. He credited these successes to the dedication of police personnel and collaboration with other security agencies like the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide security agencies with any useful information, assuring them that all reports would be handled confidentially.
