The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested at least 11 people linked to Lakurawa terrorists, bandits, and alleged Boko Haram groups. This happened during security operations across the state in the last month.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, shared this news on Wednesday at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi. He talked about the recent successes recorded by the police command.
Mr Hadejia mentioned that the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations. These operations involved other security agencies, vigilante groups, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Among those arrested were three men identified as suspected members of “Mamudawa/Boko Haram elements.” Police operatives from the Mobile Force in Illo Division, Bagudo Local Government Area, stopped the suspects on 5 June while they were riding a motorcycle along the Illo-Lolo road.
Preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspects to suspicious activities in the area. This was around the time gunmen attacked and killed three officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Illo on 4 June. “The suspects were allegedly heading to Lolo town to procure food supplies for criminal elements,” Mr Hadejia stated.
He added that investigations are still ongoing. The suspects will face prosecution if they are found guilty.
The police commissioner also announced the arrest of four other suspects in Bagudo Local Government Area. These arrests are due to alleged connections with banditry around the SODA Forest.
The suspects were caught by police on special duty along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa road on 7 June. They are currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
In a separate operation, police arrested a man from Zazzagawa village in Argungu Local Government Area. He is accused of supplying food and drinks to suspected Lakurawa fighters in the area.
Mr Hadejia said investigators also suspect this man of transporting a member of the group to and from locations used by the criminal network.
Another suspect was arrested in Bakin Ruwa community, Bagudo Local Government Area. He is accused of being an informant for bandits in the area. During this operation, police recovered a pump-action rifle and three live cartridges.
The commissioner also revealed that police, along with vigilante groups and the CJTF, rescued a woman abducted during an attack on a home in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi.
According to the police, armed men invaded the house early on 10 June, stole cash and mobile phones, and took the victim. Mr Hadejia said security operatives tracked down the attackers, rescued the woman, and arrested one suspect while they continue to search for other gang members.
The police also arrested another suspect found with a locally made pistol during a patrol at Makera Market in Arewa Local Government Area.
In another operation, police recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200 reported missing in Sokoto State and arrested one suspect. The vehicle and suspect have been sent to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation.
These arrests come amid ongoing security issues in parts of Kebbi State, especially in border communities. Authorities are worried about the activities of Lakurawa, an armed group that has been involved in security operations in northwestern Nigeria.
Recently, security agencies have stepped up operations in Bagudo, Argungu, Arewa, and other vulnerable areas. This is part of efforts to fight banditry, kidnapping, and cross-border crime.
Mr Hadejia urged residents to keep providing reliable information to security agencies. He assured them that any information shared would be treated confidentially. He said the command will continue its operations to restrict criminal groups and restore security in the state.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇