Kebbi police arrest seven suspected bandits during intelligence-led operations linked to criminal networks in Bagudo LGA

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits during intelligence-led operations in Bagudo Local Government Area as investigations continue into criminal activities in the area, including the recent killing of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

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The command disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, who said the operations were carried out on June 5 across the Soda Forest axis and neighbouring border communities.

According to Usman, the operations formed part of intensified efforts to dismantle banditry networks and disrupt supply chains supporting criminal groups operating within the area.

During one operation, Mobile Police operatives on patrol along the Illo–Lolo Road intercepted three suspects travelling on a Haojue motorcycle from the Soda Forest area towards border communities.

The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Aliyu. Police also recovered the motorcycle allegedly used during the movement.

Usman said preliminary investigations suggested the trio were allegedly on a mission to procure food supplies for criminal elements hiding within forest camps.

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.

The police spokesman said all seven suspects remain in custody as investigators work to establish the full extent of their activities and any possible links to recent security breaches in the area.

“The suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to unravel the full scope of their activities and establish their possible involvement in recent security breaches within the area, particularly the attack that resulted in the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps personnel,” Usman said.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, described the arrests as a significant and powerful breakthrough in the command’s campaign against banditry and violent crime.

“The arrests represent a major operational success in our ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other violent crimes across Kebbi State,” Hadejia said.

The commissioner commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and dedication. CP Umar M. Hadejia also acknowledged the contribution of residents whose information assisted security agencies in tracking the suspects.

“I commend the operatives for their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty. I also appreciate members of the public whose timely and credible information contributed significantly to the success of these operations,” he added.

Hadejia reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, preventing further attacks and restoring peace across affected communities.

“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to denying criminals freedom of action and restoring lasting peace and security across affected communities.

We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with useful information, which will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.