Police in Kebbi State have arrested seven suspected bandits believed to be linked to criminal activities in the Soda Forest axis, with investigators probing their possible connection to the recent attack that claimed the lives of three Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials.
The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command in the Soda Forest corridor and adjoining border communities within Bagudo Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the suspects were apprehended in separate operations conducted along the Illo–Lolo Road and the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis as security agencies intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
The police spokesman said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in providing logistical support to armed groups believed to be operating from forest hideouts within the region.
“The suspects were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations along the Illo–Lolo Road and the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis following intensified security operations against banditry in the area,” the statement said.
Usman added that investigators were working to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in recent security incidents, including the deadly attack on FRSC personnel.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly involved in providing logistics support to criminal elements operating in forest hideouts. Investigations are ongoing to determine their possible involvement in recent security breaches, including the attack that resulted in the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps personnel,” he stated.
The Command described the arrests as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle support structures sustaining banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against criminality and assured residents that security agencies would continue to pursue those responsible for acts of violence.
“The arrests represent a major breakthrough in our sustained campaign against banditry and other violent crimes. We remain committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all individuals involved in criminal activities across the state,” the commissioner said.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at restoring peace and security in vulnerable communities.
Hadejia also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to combat banditry and related crimes.
The latest arrests come amid heightened security operations in parts of Kebbi State, where authorities have intensified surveillance and enforcement measures to curb the activities of bandits and other armed groups operating within forested and border areas.
Investigations into the suspects’ activities are continuing, while police authorities say additional operations are underway to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
