Published 

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a suspected bandit and the arrest of two others in an operation aimed at curbing banditry in the state.

In a statement released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, reported that three AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Abubakar stated that the incident occurred on June 21, 2024, when armed bandits on motorcycles invaded Kurgeye village in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, kidnapping two individuals, Malami Danladi and his son, Bello Danladi.

He stated: “Upon receiving the report, a team of 36 Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel on special duty, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in a pursuit, which led to an exchange of gunfire.

“During the confrontation, one bandit was shot dead, and one AK-47 rifle, along with an empty magazine and a Bajaj motorcycle, were recovered.”

In a separate operation on September 3, 2024, security operatives, in a joint patrol with vigilantes along the Ribah-Kanya Road, intercepted and arrested two suspects, Isiya Alhaji Usman and Yunusa Yusuf, believed to be linked to the bandits terrorising the area.

A search revealed a K2 rifle, a fabricated AK-47 rifle with three magazines, and 66 rounds of live ammunition.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police Bello Sani commended the efforts of the officers, urging them to maintain and enhance their performance.

He also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies to tackle banditry and ensure stability in the region.

The suspects and recovered items have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.