The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected terrorists during ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within the Soda Forest axis and surrounding border communities in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests, which took place on June 5, 2026, were part of intensified efforts by security operatives to disrupt the activities and logistics of criminal groups involved in terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, Mobile Police operatives 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 border communities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly on their way to procure food supplies for criminal elements hiding in forest enclaves.
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 identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu.
The police said the arrests were made as security forces sustained pressure on criminal elements operating within the area.
The suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of their alleged involvement in criminal activities and possible links to recent security incidents, including the attack that led to the death of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The command stated that all the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the state.
He commended the operatives for their professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty, while also appreciating members of the public whose credible information contributed to the success of the operations.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, restricting the movement of criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across affected communities.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and useful information, assuring that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The police said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.