Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the killing of several suspected bandits, the arrest of 17 individuals and the recovery of firearms and illicit drugs during a coordinated four-day clearance operation across parts of the state, as authorities intensify efforts to curb persistent insecurity in the region.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the operation was conducted between February 10 and 13, 2026, targeting identified criminal enclaves in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas. The exercise formed part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling bandit networks and disrupting logistical support structures that sustain violent crimes.
Hassan stated that security operatives stormed several designated black spots and hideouts following actionable intelligence. During the raids, officers reportedly encountered armed resistance and engaged suspected bandits in gun battles. Some of the suspects were neutralised in the exchanges, while others were apprehended.
The operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, seven locally fabricated firearms and one English-made pistol. Police officials also seized what they described as a significant quantity of hard drugs allegedly intended for distribution among criminal elements operating within the affected areas. Authorities believe the drugs were part of a supply chain designed to embolden and sustain armed groups.
A total of 17 suspects were arrested during the operation. According to the police spokesperson, some of the individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and are currently receiving medical attention under custody. Investigators say those in custody are providing information expected to assist in identifying additional collaborators and dismantling wider criminal networks.
Kaduna State has faced recurring security challenges in recent years, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities vulnerable to bandit attacks. Kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and sporadic armed assaults have disrupted farming activities and displaced residents in some areas. Security agencies have responded with periodic clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids and joint patrols aimed at curbing the threat.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining what he described as intelligence-led policing. He emphasized that the current operation reflects an ongoing strategy rather than an isolated intervention. According to him, efforts are being strengthened to tackle illegal arms proliferation, dismantle criminal camps and prevent the regrouping of bandit factions.
Muhammad noted that the command is working in close coordination with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and other security outfits to enhance operational effectiveness. The inter-agency collaboration, he said, allows for better intelligence sharing, coordinated deployment and improved response time in volatile areas.
Security analysts observe that operations targeting both armed fighters and their logistical networks represent a shift toward a more comprehensive counter-banditry approach. Beyond direct confrontations, law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on alleged informants, arms suppliers and drug distributors believed to facilitate criminal activities.
Residents in some of the affected local government areas have expressed cautious optimism following the police announcement. Community leaders say sustained security presence will be necessary to prevent retaliatory attacks or the reoccupation of cleared hideouts. They also urge authorities to address underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities that may contribute to recruitment by armed groups.
Human rights advocates, while acknowledging the need for decisive action against violent crime, stress the importance of due process and transparency. They call for thorough documentation of operations and adherence to established rules of engagement to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.
The Kaduna State Police Command has encouraged residents to remain vigilant and share credible information through official communication channels. Officials maintain that community cooperation is critical to sustaining recent gains and preventing further escalation.
As investigations continue and interrogations progress, attention will turn to whether the intelligence gathered from the arrested suspects leads to additional breakthroughs. For now, authorities describe the four-day exercise as a significant step in ongoing efforts to restore stability and reinforce public confidence in security operations across Kaduna State.
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