Police, military neutralise several insurgents, recover rifles, ammunition, motorcycles

The Kebbi Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has neutralised several suspected terrorists and recovered rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and other items during a clearance operation in Gumki Forest, Kangiwa.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the operation was conducted at about 6:05 a.m on Monday, adding that Gumki Forest, Arewa Local Government Area, was a known route used by bandits and Lakurawa elements operating in the area.

He said the joint security team successfully engaged the terrorists during the operation and neutralised some of them.

According to him, the operation also led to the recovery of one PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition and one AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition.

Other items recovered, he said, included a pair of military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots, two mobile phones, charms, and four motorcycles.

“The area remains relatively calm, while joint operations are ongoing to further clear the area and rid the state of criminal elements,” he said.

Usman quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, as commending the operatives for their gallantry and dedication to duty.

Hadejia reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining coordinated and intelligence-led operations with other security agencies to counter banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality in the state.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The commissioner assured residents of the command’s determination to work with other security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.