BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of several suspected bandits and the arrest of 17 others during a major clearance operation carried out across four local government areas of the State.
The operation, conducted between February 10 and 13, 2026, targeted identified bandit camps and criminal hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru LGAs following sustained intelligence gathering.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the raids were described as part of renewed efforts to curb banditry and other violent crimes in the State.
Hassan said several camps were dislodged during coordinated operations, adding that some of the suspects were neutralised in fierce gun battles with police operatives, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
He disclosed that three AK-47 rifles, seven locally fabricated firearms, one pistol and a large quantity of hard drugs were recovered during the raids.
“A total of 17 suspected notorious bandits were arrested in the course of the operation. Some of them sustained bullet wounds during exchanges of fire and are currently receiving medical attention”.
The police spokesman listed the arrested suspects as Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alh. Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, Nura Abdullahi, Adamu Alh. Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi (alias Kire), Kabiru Adamu, Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam and Abubakar Idris.
He added that the suspects were assisting investigators with useful information aimed at dismantling wider criminal networks operating in the affected areas.
Hassan also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as assuring residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
“The Kaduna State Police Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of banditry, illegal arms proliferation and other related crimes. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” the CP said.
