By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria-June 17, 2026 (Series News Online)- The Kebbi State Police Command has recorded several operational breakthroughs in the past month, including the arrest of suspected bandits and terrorism-linked individuals, the rescue of an abducted woman, and the recovery of firearms and a stolen vehicle.
Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, disclosed the developments on Tuesday during a media briefing in Birnin Kebbi. He attributed the successes to intelligence-driven policing and joint operations with sister security agencies and local vigilante groups.
“This briefing is to update members of the public on the proactive measures and operational successes recorded by the Kebbi State Police Command in its sustained efforts to protect lives and property, prevent crimes, and maintain peace and security across the State,” CP Hadejia stated.
“The Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, Civilian JTF, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders, has continued to employ intelligence-led policing, rapid response, and coordinated operations towards denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely,” he said.
On June 5, 2026, at about 1:20 p.m., operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division, Bagudo Local Government Area, intercepted three suspected Mamudawa/Boko Haram elements along the Illo–Lolo road. The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Abubakar.
“They were arrested on a motorcycle while heading to Lolo Town allegedly to procure food supplies for criminal elements,” CP Hadejia said.
He added that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to movements around Illo during an attack on June 4, 2026, that claimed the lives of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“The suspects and the recovered motorcycle bearing a foreign registration number will be prosecuted accordingly,” he stated.
On June 7, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., Police Mobile Force personnel deployed along the Ka’oje–Bakin Ruwa road in Bagudo LGA arrested four other suspects: Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu, and Yahaya Shehu.
“They are being investigated over suspicious involvement in armed banditry-related activities within Soda Forest in Bagudo. The case is with the State Criminal Investigation Department, Birnin Kebbi,” the Commissioner stated.
On June 9, 2026, acting on information provided by vigilantes in Zazzagawa Village, Argungu LGA, operatives arrested Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village for allegedly providing logistical support to suspected Lakurawa terrorists.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly supplied foodstuffs and soft drinks to the criminal elements and was observed conveying a suspected member of the Lakurawa group,” CP Hadejia said.
“He is in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations to apprehend other suspects at large,” he added.
On June 10, 2026, at about 12:54 a.m., armed men attacked the residence of Mustafa Musa in Bayan Forestry Area, Birnin Kebbi metropolis, stole cash and mobile phones, and abducted his wife, Asmau Isah.
“Following a swift response by Police operatives, supported by Civilian JTF and vigilantes, the attackers were pursued and intercepted,” the Commissioner said.
“The victim was rescued unharmed, while one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, was arrested. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang. The case will be charged to court soon,” he stated.
On June 11, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m., personnel on special duty at Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo LGA, arrested Ayuba Ibrahim, a resident of the area, on suspicion of aiding criminal elements.
“Operatives recovered one pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and other items suspected to be connected with criminal activities. The suspect is in custody while investigation continues,” CP Hadejia stated.
Also on June 11, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., operatives from Makera Division arrested Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village, Arewa LGA, during a routine patrol at Makera Market and recovered a locally made pistol.
“The suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing,” he said.
The Command also recovered a Mercedes Benz C200 stolen from a resident of Sokoto State and arrested Ahmed Sa’adu, alias BAGA, at Bayan Kara, Birnin Kebbi.
“In line with inter-command cooperation, the suspect and exhibit have been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. Efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplice, Kasimu Bunza,” the Commissioner stated.
CP Hadejia noted that another case involving sexual assault is under investigation.
“A suspect was arrested in Jega LGA over an alleged case of sexual assault. The matter is under investigation and will be prosecuted accordingly,” he stated, without providing further details in line with ethical reporting standards for such cases.
The Commissioner said the Command has sustained aggressive patrols across identified flashpoints.
“The successes recorded are products of intelligence gathering, dedication of Police personnel, cooperation with sister security agencies, and the invaluable support of members of the public,” he said.
“The Command particularly appreciates vigilante groups, Civilian JTF, DSS and other security agencies, and members of the public whose timely information continues to assist security operations,” he added.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information through the Command’s emergency lines: 09039911876 and 07081074395.
“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Kebbi State Police Command remains fully committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens,” CP Hadejia stated.
Tags
Crimes