Police arrest 13 suspects over terrorism, banditry in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested 13 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other offences across the state within the last one month.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on recent security operations and achievements recorded by the command.

Hadejia said the arrests were made through intelligence-led policing, coordinated operations and collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and other stakeholders.

According to him, the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating in the state.

The commissioner said operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division in Bagudo Local Government Area arrested three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group along the Illo-Lolo Road on June 5.

The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Abubakar, were intercepted while riding a motorcycle allegedly to procure food supplies for criminal elements.

“Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to movements around the area during the attack that led to the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, personnel in Illo on June 4,” Hadejia said.

He added that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police commissioner also disclosed that four suspected Lakurawa bandits were arrested on June 7 along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo Local Government Area.

“The suspects, identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu, are being investigated for alleged involvement in armed banditry activities within the SODA Forest,” he said.

Hadejia further said operatives arrested one Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu Local Government Area on June 9 for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

According to him, investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied food items and soft drinks to the terrorists and was linked to the movement of a suspected terrorist member, Amadu Umar.

He further disclosed that police operatives arrested one Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo Local Government Area on June 11 for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits.

A pump-action rifle, three live cartridges and other items suspected to be connected to criminal activities were recovered from the suspect, according to the commissioner.

The command also arrested Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village in Arewa Local Government Area, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.

Hadejia noted that the command had sustained aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified flashpoints, leading to improved security and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities.

He attributed the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, support from other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the Civilian JTF and credible information provided by members of the public.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially.