A sustained security crackdown in Kebbi State has led to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities within the last month.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on the command’s recent operations and security gains across the state.
According to Hadejia, the arrests were achieved through intelligence-led policing, coordinated operations and strong collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local communities.
Among those arrested were three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group, who were intercepted along the Illo-Lolo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area on June 5 while allegedly travelling to deliver food supplies to criminal elements.
The police commissioner said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to suspicious movements around the area during the attack that claimed the lives of three Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel in Illo on June 4.
In a separate operation, four suspected Lakurawa bandits were arrested along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo Local Government Area. The suspects are currently being investigated for alleged involvement in armed banditry activities within the SODA Forest.
Police also arrested a suspect accused of providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists. Investigators alleged that he supplied food items and soft drinks to the group and was connected to the movement of a suspected terrorist member.
Another suspect was arrested for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits. During the operation, officers recovered a pump-action rifle, live cartridges and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The command further apprehended a 42-year-old man who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market in Arewa Local Government Area.
Hadejia said aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified flashpoints have helped improve security and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
He attributed the successes recorded by the command to the dedication of police personnel, support from the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the Civilian JTF and timely information provided by residents.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, assuring them that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality as efforts to rid the state of criminal elements continue.
