Police Arrest Suspected Boko Haram, Lakurawa Operatives in Kebbi Raids

The Kebbi State Police Command has announced a series of major security breakthroughs, including the arrest of suspected Boko Haram and Lakurawa operatives, suspected bandit informants and the rescue of a kidnapped woman as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, said the successes were recorded through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

According to the police commissioner, one of the most significant operations was carried out on June 5, 2026, when operatives intercepted three suspected members of the Mamudawa/Boko Haram group along the Illo–Lolo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Abubakar, were allegedly transporting food supplies to criminal elements operating within the area when they were arrested.

Hadejia said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to movements around Illo during an attack that claimed the lives of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on June 4.

In another operation conducted on June 7, police operatives arrested four suspected Lakurawa bandits along the Ka'oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu. According to the police, investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in banditry activities around the SODA Forest and other affected communities.

The command also arrested a suspected logistics supplier believed to be supporting Lakurawa terrorists.

The suspect, Murtala Sani of Zazzagawa Village in Argungu Local Government Area, was apprehended on June 9 following intelligence reports linking him to the supply of food items and beverages to members of the criminal group.

Police further alleged that Sani had, on several occasions, transported suspected Lakurawa operatives to various hideouts used by the group.

In a separate development, police operatives, supported by vigilante members and the CJTF, successfully rescued a kidnapped woman, Asmau Isah, after armed attackers invaded her residence in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi on June 10.

The assailants reportedly carted away N220,000 and mobile phones before abducting the victim.

During the rescue operation, one suspect identified as Abubakar Siddi was arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who fled the scene.

The command also arrested Ayuba Ibrahim, a suspected bandit informant, in Bakin Ruwa, Bagudo Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges and other materials believed to be connected to criminal activities.

In another operation, police arrested a 42-year-old suspect, Aliyu Jibrin of Kwakware Village in Arewa Local Government Area, after recovering a locally fabricated pistol from him at Makera Market.

The command further disclosed that a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200 was recovered through inter-state collaboration between security agencies.

The vehicle, which had earlier been reported stolen in Sokoto State, was recovered in Birnin Kebbi, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as Baga.

Police said both the suspect and the recovered vehicle have since been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Hadejia also disclosed that the command is investigating a case of alleged sexual abuse involving a 36-year-old security guard, Faruku Muhammed.

According to the commissioner, the suspect 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 the conclusion of investigations.

The police commissioner attributed the successes recorded by the command to effective intelligence gathering, the dedication of security personnel and the support of residents who provided useful information.

He commended vigilante groups, the CJTF, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their continued collaboration in combating crime across the state.

Hadejia urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies, assuring them that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the protection of lives and property throughout the state.