The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected terrorists during ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Soda Forest axis and adjoining border communities in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The arrests were made on 5th June 2026 as operatives intensified efforts to disrupt the activities and logistics of criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.
Acting on credible intelligence, Mobile Police operatives along the Illo–Lolo Road intercepted three suspects travelling on a Haojue motorcycle from the Soda Forest area towards border communities.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly en route to procure food supplies intended for criminal elements operating within forest hideouts. The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Aliyu, were arrested and the motorcycle recovered.
In a separate operation along the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis, four additional suspects identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu were arrested as security operatives sustained pressure on criminal elements operating within the area.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full extent of their criminal activities and possible links to recent security incidents in the area, including the attack that claimed the lives of three FRSC personnel. They will be prosecuted upon conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, described the arrests as a significant operational breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the State. He commended the operatives for their professionalism, resilience and commitment to duty, and appreciated members of the public for providing credible information that contributed to the success of the operations.
The Commissioner reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, denying criminals freedom of movement, and restoring lasting peace and security across affected communities. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful information, assuring that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.
SP BASHIR USMAN, anipr, anisma
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
KEBBI STATE COMMAND
7TH JUNE 2026
