The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits in connection with ongoing investigations into criminal activities in Bagudo Local Government Area, including the recent killing of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

According to a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by the command, the arrests were made on June 5 during intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating within the Soda Forest axis and surrounding border communities.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the operations were part of intensified efforts to dismantle banditry networks and disrupt the supply chains sustaining criminal activities in the area.

He said Mobile Police operatives on patrol along the Illo–Lolo Road intercepted three suspects travelling on a Haojue motorcycle from the Soda Forest area toward border communities

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly on a mission to procure food supplies for criminal elements operating within forest hideouts,” Usman stated.

The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar and Muhammadu Aliyu. The motorcycle used by the suspects was also recovered.

In a separate operation along the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis, security operatives arrested four other suspects identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu and Yahaya Shehu.

The police spokesman said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of their involvement in criminal activities within 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,” he said.

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

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar M. Hadejia, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing 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.

He commended the operatives involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication, while also acknowledging the role played by members of the public.

“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,” the commissioner added.

Hadejia reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace in 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.

The police said further updates would be provided as investigations progress. (The PUNCH)

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