Police arrest 13 suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects for alleged involvement in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities 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 resulted from intelligence-led policing, coordinated security 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 intensifying efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

The commissioner revealed that operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to the 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. Preliminary investigations indicated that they were allegedly on their way to procure food supplies for criminal elements operating in the area.

Hadejia said investigations also linked the suspects to movements around Illo during the attack that led to the killing of three officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on June 4.

He added that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police commissioner further disclosed that officers arrested four suspected Lakurawa bandits 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 within the SODA Forest.

Hadejia also announced the arrest of Murtala Sani, a resident 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 facilitated the movement of a suspected terrorist member identified as Amadu Umar.

In a related development, police operatives arrested Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo Local Government Area on June 11 for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits.

The commissioner said officers recovered a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities from the suspect.

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

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

He attributed the successes recorded to the dedication of police personnel and the support of other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, the Civilian JTF and members of the public who provided credible intelligence.

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