The Kebbi State Police Command says it has arrested seven suspected terrorists during ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating in the Soda Forest axis and adjoining border communities in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.
Usman said the suspects were arrested on June 5 as security operatives intensified efforts to disrupt the activities and logistics of criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.
According to him, Mobile Police operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted three suspects travelling on a Haojue motorcycle along the Illo–Lolo Road from the Soda Forest area towards border communities.
He identified the suspects as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Aliyu.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly on their way to procure food supplies intended for criminal elements operating within forest hideouts,” he said.
The police spokesman added that the motorcycle used by the suspects was recovered during the operation.
Usman further disclosed that in a separate operation along the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis, security operatives arrested four additional suspects identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu.
He said the suspects were currently in police custody while investigations continued to determine the full extent of their alleged criminal activities and possible links to recent security incidents in the area, including an attack that claimed the lives of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“The suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar M. Hadejia, described the arrests as a significant 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, while appreciating members of the public for providing credible information that aided the success of the operations.
Hadejia reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, restricting the movement of criminals and restoring lasting peace and security across affected communities.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful information, assuring that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.