The Kebbi State Police Command, working alongside military personnel, has neutralised suspected terrorist elements during a joint clearance operation in Gumki Forest, Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place at about 6:05am on Monday, September 14, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items allegedly belonging to the criminal elements operating in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, Gumki Forest is a known route reportedly used by bandits and Lakurawa elements in the area.
Usman said the joint security team encountered the suspected terrorists during the clearance operation and successfully neutralised some of them.
Items recovered during the operation included one PKT rifle loaded with 174 rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones and four motorcycles.
Security personnel also recovered a pair of military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots and charms from the area.
“During the operation, the joint team successfully engaged and neutralised terrorist elements operating within the area,” Usman said.
Security Forces Intensify Clearance Operations
The police spokesman said the area remained relatively calm following the operation, adding that security forces had continued clearance efforts to remove criminal elements from the forest and nearby communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Hadejia, praised the security personnel involved in the operation for their gallantry, commitment and dedication to duty.
Hadejia said the command would continue to work with other security agencies through coordinated and intelligence-led operations to combat banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminal activity across Kebbi State.
He also called on residents to assist security agencies by providing “timely and credible information” that could support ongoing operations and help security personnel respond effectively to threats.
The police assured residents that joint operations would continue across the area until criminal elements were completely removed from the forest and adjoining routes.
