The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended 13 suspected criminals involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms, including those allegedly responsible for the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel.
Police Commissioner Briefs Journalists
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Alhaji Umar Hadejia, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi. He stated that the arrests were achieved through intelligence-led policing, coordinated operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and other stakeholders.
Hadejia reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating within the state.
Arrest of Suspected Terrorists Linked to FRSC Killings
On June 5, 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. The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Abubakar. They 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 FRSC personnel in Illo on June 4,” the commissioner said. He added that the suspects and the recovered motorcycle bearing a foreign registration number would be prosecuted after investigations.
Arrest of Lakurawa Bandits
Hadejia further disclosed that four suspected Lakurawa bandits were arrested on June 7 along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo LGA. 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.
Arrest of Logistical Supporter
On June 9, operatives arrested one Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu LGA for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists. Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied food items and soft drinks to the terrorists and was also linked to the movement of a suspected terrorist member, Amadu Umar.
Rescue of Kidnapped Woman
The commissioner also announced the rescue of a kidnapped woman, Asmau Isah, who was abducted during an attack on her residence in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi on June 10. According to him, seven armed men invaded the residence, carted away N220,000 and mobile phones before abducting the victim.
“Following a swift response by police operatives supported by vigilantes and members of the Civilian JTF, the victim was rescued unharmed and one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, was arrested,” he said. He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
Arrest of Informant and Recovery of Firearms
On June 11, police operatives arrested one Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo LGA for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits. A pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and other items suspected to be connected with criminal activities were recovered from the suspect.
Additionally, Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village in Arewa LGA, was arrested for allegedly possessing a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.
Recovery of Stolen Vehicle
Hadejia also said the command recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200 through inter-command collaboration. Police operatives in Birnin Kebbi recovered the vehicle at Bayan Kara and arrested one Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as “Baga”. The vehicle, stolen in Sokoto State, has been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Arrest of Security Guard for Defilement
The police commissioner confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old security guard, Faruku Muhammed, in Jega Local Government Area over the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl. Hadejia said the suspect allegedly lured the victim into his room located within an Islamiyya school premises, where the offence was committed. The case is under investigation and will be charged to court upon completion.
Sustained Security Operations
Hadejia noted that the command has sustained aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified flashpoints in the state, resulting in improved security and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities. He attributed the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, support from security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the Civilian JTF, and timely information provided by members of the public.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information, assuring that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
