The Kebbi State Police Command says its operatives, working alongside military personnel, have neutralised suspected terrorists during a clearance operation in Gumki Forest, Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place around 6:05am on Monday, also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items allegedly belonging to the criminal elements.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement.
Usman said Gumki Forest had been identified as a route frequently used by bandits and members of the Lakurawa group operating in the area.
He said security personnel engaged the suspected terrorists during the operation and successfully neutralised some of them.
“During the operation, the joint team successfully engaged and neutralised terrorist elements operating within the area,” Usman stated.
Items recovered, according to the police, included a PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds, four motorcycles and two mobile phones.
The security team also recovered two military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots and charms.
The police said the forest and surrounding communities remained relatively calm following the operation, while security personnel continued clearance activities in the area.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the operatives for their courage and commitment to duty.
Hadejia said the command would continue to work with other security agencies through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing “timely and credible information” that could support ongoing efforts to secure the state.
The command assured residents that joint operations would continue until criminal elements were completely flushed out of Gumki Forest and adjoining routes.
