Police bust Lakurawa supply network in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected collaborators of the Lakurawa terror group and recovered arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs in intelligence-led operations across border communities and Bagudo Local Government Area.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, operatives of the Kangiwa Divisional Police Headquarters arrested Hamza Aliyu and Aliyu Ahmadu on Friday around 3:00 p.m. along a border axis. The suspects were allegedly involved in supplying logistics to Lakurawa members operating in the area. Items recovered from them included 31 parcels of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to aiding and supplying logistics to members of the Lakurawa terror group,” the statement said.

In a related operation, the Command’s Special Tactical Team, in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, arrested two other suspects, Sani Bature, also known as “Nage,” and Rabiu Bature, in Bagudo Local Government Area. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-49 rifle, 611 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a locally fabricated bulletproof vest reportedly imbued with charms.

All recovered items are now in police custody, while the suspects are undergoing further investigations to uncover the full extent of the criminal network.

Reacting to the arrests, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Mohammed Hadeija, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal and terrorist elements.

“This achievement underscores our unwavering resolve to dismantle all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace and security of Kebbi State,” Hadeija said, urging residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information.

The police confirmed the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.

Recall that in January, the Kebbi State Police Command arrested three men — Abubakar Muhammadu, Abdullahi Majo, and Ali Alhaji Jemu — allegedly linked to a kidnapping operation in Shanga Local Government Area. Locally made weapons were also recovered during that operation