The Kebbi State Police Command, in partnership with the military, has neutralised suspected terrorist elements during a joint operation in Gumki Forest, Kangiwa, in the Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out around 6:05am on Monday, September 14, 2026, as security personnel conducted a clearance exercise in the forest, which has been identified as a route used by bandits and Lakurawa elements operating in the area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the joint team encountered the criminal elements during the operation and engaged them, resulting in the neutralisation of some of the suspects.
“During the operation, the joint team successfully engaged and neutralised terrorist elements operating within the area,” Usman said.
The security forces also recovered weapons and other items from the forest, including one PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones and four motorcycles.
Other items recovered were two military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots and charms allegedly belonging to the criminal elements.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Hadejia, praised the operatives for their courage and commitment, assuring that the command would continue to work with other security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
Hadejia also urged residents to assist security personnel by providing “timely and credible information” that could support ongoing operations.
The police said security forces would sustain the clearance operations in Gumki Forest and adjoining routes until criminal elements were completely removed from the area.
