The Kebbi State Police Command has commenced an extensive security offensive in response to coordinated bandit attacks that claimed the lives of at least 44 people in Kebbi State.
The attacks, which targeted multiple communities in Shanga Local Government Area—including Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe—were described by authorities as a well-coordinated operation carried out by armed groups.
In the aftermath of the incident, security agencies intensified deployments across the state, focusing on forests, border communities, farmlands, and other high-risk areas believed to serve as hideouts and transit routes for bandits.
The operation was launched in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with a strategy centred on intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations.
Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said the intervention is already yielding positive results and helping to stabilise the affected communities.
“Massive deployments of police and other security agencies have led to the return of relative calm in the affected areas, while discreet investigations are ongoing,” he said.
He added that joint security teams are carrying out coordinated patrols, supported by intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations across vulnerable routes.
As part of early breakthroughs, operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles along the Illo–Kamba axis, indicating initial progress in the ongoing crackdown.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, called on residents to actively support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements, and cooperate fully with security agencies,” he said, while also appealing to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to assist in intelligence gathering.
Authorities emphasised that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining the operation and preventing further attacks.
Security agencies added that the ongoing offensive will rely heavily on intelligence-led strategies and collaboration with local communities to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply routes.
