The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected terrorists during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within the Soda Forest axis and surrounding border communities in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The arrests were made on June 5, 2026, as security operatives intensified efforts to disrupt the activities, movement and supply chains of criminal elements linked to terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.
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According to the Command, operatives of the Mobile Police Force, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted three suspects along the Illo–Lolo Road while they were travelling on a Haojue motorcycle from the Soda Forest area towards nearby border communities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly on a mission to procure food supplies for criminal elements hiding within the forest. The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Aliyu. The motorcycle used for the trip was also recovered by the police.
In a separate operation conducted along the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis, security operatives arrested four additional suspects as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
The four suspects were identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu. Their arrest followed sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of movement and logistical support.
Police authorities disclosed that all seven suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of their alleged involvement in criminal activities and any connections to recent security incidents within the area.
Investigators are also examining possible links between the suspects and the recent attack that resulted in the killing of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) along the Tsamiya–Illo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing campaign against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
He commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty, while also appreciating members of the public for providing credible intelligence that contributed to the success of the arrests.
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The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely information, assuring that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.