Kebbi police arrest Lakurawa collaborators, recover arms

The Kebbi State Police Command has declared a significant clampdown on terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state.

This was stated in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman.

He said the arrests were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations carried out by officers across key locations.


According to him, operatives attached to the Kangiwa Divisional Police Headquarters arrested two suspects, Hamza Aliyu and Aliyu Ahmadu, on February 7, 2026, in a border community.

SP Bashir explained that the duo was picked up “following credible intelligence,” adding that they are suspected of providing logistical support to members of the Lakurawa terror group.

He said police recovered 31 wraps of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp from the suspects at the time of their arrest.

In another operation, officers from the Special Tactical Team, working alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, arrested two more suspects in Bagudo Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as Sani Bature, popularly known as “Nage,” and Rabiu Bature.

SP Bashir said the operation led to the recovery of one AK-49 rifle, 611 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, as well as a locally made bullet-resistant vest believed to have been fortified with charms.

The police spokesperson said all four suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadeija, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating within Kebbi State.

According to SP Bashir, the police commissioner also appealed to residents to continue assisting security agencies by providing “timely and reliable information” to help sustain the fight against crime.