Police kill suspected bandit, arrest two others in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected bandit and the arrest of two others during a targeted operation to combat banditry in the region.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, detailed that the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and live ammunition.

The incident occurred on June 21, 2024, when armed bandits riding motorcycles stormed Kurgeye village in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, abducting Malami Danladi and his son, Bello Danladi.

Abubakar explained, “Upon receiving the distress call, a specialized team of 36 Police Mobile Force officers, alongside the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, swiftly mobilized and engaged the bandits in pursuit, which resulted in a firefight. One of the bandits was fatally wounded, and an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, and a Bajaj motorcycle were seized from the scene."

In a separate operation on September 3, 2024, joint security operatives working with local vigilantes intercepted and arrested two suspects, Isiya Alhaji Usman and Yunusa Yusuf, along the Ribah-Kanya Road. Both suspects are believed to be part of a notorious bandit group terrorizing the area.

A search revealed a K2 rifle, a custom-made AK-47, three magazines, and 66 rounds of ammunition.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, praised the efforts of his officers, encouraging them to continue their hard work. He also emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between security forces to tackle the ongoing threat of banditry and bring peace to the region.

The suspects, along with the recovered weapons, have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.