Police Nab Suspected Boko Haram, Lakurawa Operatives in Kebbi
By Yusuf Gwandu
The Kebbi State Police Command has announced a series of major security breakthroughs, including the arrest of suspected terrorists, bandits, informants, and the rescue of a kidnapped victim as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, said the command recorded significant operational successes within the last month through intelligence-led policing and collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Among the major achievements was the arrest of three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group along the Illo-Lolo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area on June 5, 2026. The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Abubakar, were intercepted while allegedly transporting food supplies to criminal elements operating in the area.
CP said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to movements around Illo during an attack that claimed the lives of three Federal Road Safety Corps personnel on June 4.
In a separate operation on June 7, CP Hadejia said police operatives arrested four suspected Lakurawa bandits along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo LGA. The suspects, Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu, and Yahaya Shehu, are being investigated over their alleged involvement in banditry activities within the SODA Forest.
The command also arrested a suspected logistics supplier to Lakurawa terrorists. According to the CP, Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu LGA was apprehended on June 9 following intelligence reports that he supplied food items and beverages to members of the terrorist group. He was also alleged to have transported a suspected Lakurawa member to criminal hideouts on several occasions.
On June 10, police operatives, supported by vigilantes and the CJTF, rescued a kidnapped woman, Asmau Isah, following an attack on her residence in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi. The attackers reportedly stole N220,000 and mobile phones before abducting the victim. During the rescue operation, one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, was arrested while efforts continue to track down other members of the gang.
The command further arrested Ayuba Ibrahim, a suspected informant to bandits, in Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo LGA. A pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities were recovered from him.
In another operation, CP Hadejia added that police arrested a 42-year-old man, Aliyu Jibrin of Kwakware Village in Arewa LGA, after recovering a locally made pistol from his possession at Makera Market.
The police also recovered a stolen Mercedes Benz C200 through inter-command collaboration. The vehicle, which was stolen in Sokoto State, was recovered in Birnin Kebbi, leading to the arrest of one Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as Baga. The suspect and the recovered vehicle have been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Additionally, the CP disclosed that the police is investigating a case of alleged sexual abuse involving a 36-year-old security guard, Faruku Muhammed, who allegedly lured a 10-year-old girl into his room within an Islamiyya school in Jega Local Government Area and sexually assaulted her. He said the suspect would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
CP Hadejia noted that the successes recorded were the result of effective intelligence gathering, dedication of security personnel, and cooperation from members of the public. He commended vigilante groups, the CJTF, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their support.
The Commissioner urged residents of Kebbi State to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies, assuring that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
