Security forces neutralise terrorists, recover weapons in Kebbi

Security forces in Kebbi State have successfully neutralized suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items during a joint clearance operation in Gumki Forest. The operation, conducted by the Kebbi State Police Command and the Nigerian Army on September 14, 2026, targeted terrorist elements in identified enclaves within the forest.

Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, and Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, reported that the security forces engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, resulting in the deaths of several suspects, while others fled into the forest.

Following the initial operation, a follow-up search led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun with 174 rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles, two mobile phones, and various other items such as cash, military uniforms, boots, charms, and miscellaneous combat gear. Gumki Forest, situated near the Nigeria-Niger border, is known to be a route frequently used by bandits and Lakurawa elements in the region.

Police spokesperson Usman emphasized that the forest remains relatively calm as joint operations continue to clear it and adjacent routes of criminal elements.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, praised the security personnel for their gallantry and dedication to duty, and vowed to sustain coordinated and intelligence-led operations with other security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality across the state. He also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.