Kebbi State Police Command has announced the arrest of 13 suspected criminals allegedly involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities across the state within the last month.
The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar Hadejia, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, highlighting the command’s recent security achievements and ongoing efforts to combat crime.
Hadejia attributed the successes to intelligence-driven policing, coordinated operations, and strong collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and community stakeholders.
He explained that on June 5, operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division in Bagudo Local Government Area apprehended three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group along the Illo-Lolo Road.
The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Abubakar, were intercepted while travelling on a motorcycle allegedly to obtain food supplies for criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations connected the suspects to movements around the location where three officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were killed in Illo on June 4.
He stated that the suspects, along with the motorcycle bearing a foreign registration number, would face prosecution upon the completion of investigations.
The commissioner further revealed 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 currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in armed banditry activities around the SODA Forest.
On June 9, police operatives also arrested Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu Local Government Area for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists.
Investigations reportedly showed that Sani supplied food items and soft drinks to the criminal group and was linked to the movement of a suspected terrorist identified as Amadu Umar.
The command also recorded success in a kidnapping case that occurred on June 10 in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi.
According to Hadejia, seven armed men invaded the residence of one Asmau Isah, carted away N220,000 and several mobile phones before abducting her.
Following a rapid response operation involving police personnel, vigilantes and members of the CJTF, the victim was rescued unharmed while one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, was arrested in connection with the crime.
The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining members of the gang.
In another operation on June 11, police arrested Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo Local Government Area for allegedly serving as an informant and collaborator for bandits.
Items recovered from the suspect included a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges and other materials believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Police also arrested Aliyu Jibrin, 42, from Kwakware Village in Arewa Local Government Area after he was allegedly found with a locally fabricated pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.
The command further recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200 through cooperation with other police commands.
Hadejia explained that officers in Birnin Kebbi recovered the vehicle in the Bayan Kara area and arrested a suspect, Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as “Baga.”
The vehicle, which had reportedly been stolen in Sokoto State, was subsequently handed over together with the suspect to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The commissioner also 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.
He said the suspect allegedly lured the victim into his room within the premises of an Islamiyya school where the offence was committed.
According to him, the matter remains under investigation and the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Hadejia noted that sustained patrols and strategic deployments across identified flashpoints have significantly improved security across the state and enhanced the protection of vulnerable communities.
He credited the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, support from agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the CJTF and timely intelligence provided by members of the public.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, assuring them that all information received would be treated confidentially.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace throughout Kebbi State.
