The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected terrorists and several other criminal collaborators within one month in a series of coordinated operations aimed at dismantling banditry, kidnapping networks, and other violent criminal activities across the state.
The Command said the arrests were achieved through sustained intelligence-led raids, rapid response deployments, and close collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Department of State Services, Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilante groups.
According to the Police, these joint efforts have disrupted criminal supply chains, led to the recovery of firearms and stolen property, and strengthened security presence across vulnerable communities in Kebbi State.
Speaking during a media briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, attributed the operational successes to improved intelligence gathering, the dedication of police personnel, and the continuous support of the public.
Hadejia explained that the Command had intensified surveillance and patrols across identified flashpoints, particularly in Bagudo, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Jega, and Arewa Local Government Areas, resulting in multiple arrests linked to terror and bandit networks.
He disclosed that on June 5, 2026, operatives of the Police Mobile Force, while on patrol along the Illo–Lolo road in Bagudo LGA, intercepted and arrested three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group.
“The suspects were allegedly transporting food supplies to criminal elements when they were apprehended on a motorcycle. Preliminary investigations further linked them to movements in the area during a deadly attack on June 4 that claimed the lives of three Federal Road Safety Corps personnel in Illo. The suspects, along with a motorcycle bearing a foreign registration number, are expected to be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.
“On June 7, 2026, four additional suspects were arrested along the Ka’oje–Bakin Ruwa road in Bagudo LGA by Police Mobile Force operatives on special duty.
“The suspects are being investigated for their alleged involvement in banditry-related activities within the SODA forest axis, a known criminal hideout in the area. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi for further action.
“In another operation on June 9, 2026, a suspected logistics supplier to the Lakurawa terrorist group was arrested in Zazzagawa Village, Argungu LGA, following actionable intelligence provided by local vigilante members.
“The suspect was alleged to have been supplying foodstuffs and beverages to armed groups and facilitating the movement of a known member of the gang between settlements and their enclave. He is currently assisting investigators in efforts to track down other members of the network.
On June 10, 2026, a gang of seven armed men invaded the Bayan Forestry area in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, attacking the residence of one Mustafa Musa. The attackers, armed with firearms, machetes, and sticks, robbed the victim of ₦220,000 and mobile phones, and abducted his wife, Asmau Isah.
“However, a swift response by police operatives supported by Civilian JTF and local vigilantes led to a hot pursuit, resulting in the rescue of the victim and the arrest of one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, while others fled. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
“Similarly, on June 11, 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ayuba Ibrahim in Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo LGA, for allegedly providing support to criminal elements operating in the area.
“A search of his residence led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and other items suspected to be linked to criminal operations. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
“In a separate patrol operation the same day, Police operatives from Makera Division arrested one Aliyu Jibrin at Makera Market, Arewa LGA, after a locally made pistol was recovered from him. He is currently under investigation.
“The Command also recorded a successful inter-state operation involving the recovery of a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives traced and recovered the vehicle in Birnin Kebbi and arrested one suspect, Ahmed Sa’adu, also known as Baga.
“His accomplice, identified as Kasimu Bunza, remains at large. The recovered vehicle and suspect were later handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for continued investigation and prosecution in line with inter-command collaboration protocols.”
Meanwhile, the Command also confirmed the arrest of one Faruku Muhammed in Jega LGA over a serious case of sexual assault involving a 10-year-old girl. The suspect, who worked as a security guard at an Islamiyya school, allegedly lured the victim into his room where he committed the offence. The case is currently under investigation and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police Command reiterated that ongoing aggressive patrols, tactical deployments, and intelligence-driven operations will continue across the state’s flashpoints.
It also commended the cooperation of vigilante groups, Civilian JTF, DSS, and members of the public, noting that timely information has remained critical to the successes recorded in the fight against crime and criminal elements in Kebbi State.