The Kebbi State Police Command says it arrested 13 suspected criminals involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, and other offences across the state within the last one month.

The state Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, made this known while briefing journalists on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi on recent security operations and achievements of the command.

Ms Hadejia said the successes were recorded through intelligence-led policing, coordinated operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilance groups, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and other stakeholders.

According to him, the command remains committed to protecting lives and property and sustaining pressure on criminals operating within the state.

He said that on June 5, operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division in the Bagudo Local Government Area arrested 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 riding a motorcycle allegedly to procure food supplies for criminals.

“Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to movements around the area during the attack that led to the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel in Illo on June 4,” the commissioner said.

He added that the suspects would be prosecuted and the recovered motorcycle bearing a foreign registration number confisticated after investigations.

Mr Hadejia further noted that four suspected Lakurawa bandits were arrested on June 7, along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in the Bagudo LGA.

He stated, “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.”

He added that on June 9, operatives arrested one Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu LGA for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

He said investigations showed 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.

The commissioner also announced the rescue of a kidnapped woman, Asmau Isah, 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.

Mr Hadejia further said that on June 11, police operatives arrested one Ayuba Ibrahim of Bakin Ruwa in the Bagudo LGA for allegedly serving as an informant and supporter of bandits.

He said a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and other items suspected to be connected with criminal activities were recovered from the suspect.

The commissioner also announced the arrest of Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village in the Arewa LGA, allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol during a patrol operation at Makera Market.

In another development, Mr Hadejia said the command recovered a stolen Mercedes Benz C200 through inter-command collaboration.

He explained that police operatives in Birnin Kebbi recovered the vehicle at Bayan Kara and arrested one Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as “Baga.”

“The vehicle, which was stolen in Sokoto State, has been handed over alongside the suspect to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

The police commissioner also confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old security guard, Faruku Muhammed, in the Jega local government area over the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old girl.

Mr Hadejia said the suspect allegedly lured the victim into his room located within an Islamiyya school premises where the offence was committed.

The CP said the case was under investigation and the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

He noted that the command had sustained aggressive patrols and tactical deployments across identified flashpoints in the state, resulting in improved security and enhanced protection of vulnerable communities.

The CP attributed the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, support from security agencies including the State Security Service (SSS), vigilance groups, the Civilian JTF, and timely information provided by members of the public.

Mr Hadejia urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information, assuring them that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“The Kebbi Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens across the state,” he said. 

(NAN)