Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State have killed a suspected kidnapping kingpin and rescued an abducted resident during a security operation in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The operation, which also led to the arrest of another suspected gang member, is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping and violent crime.
Intelligence-Led Operation
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Bashir Usman, the operation was launched following credible intelligence supplied by a concerned member of the public.
The police arrested a suspect identified as Bube Tukur, a resident of Kasuwar Daji in Bagudo and an indigene of Yarma Village in Suru Local Government Area.
Usman disclosed that investigators linked Tukur to the abduction of Abu Geza, a resident of Geza Village in Bagudo LGA.
“Investigation revealed that the suspect belongs to a gang of eight members, including one Jiji Mujugu, who was identified as the gang leader,” Bashir Usman said in a statement issued on June 19, 2026.
Gang Leader Killed During Shootout
Following his arrest, Tukur reportedly led security operatives to the hideout of the gang’s alleged leader, Jiji Mujugu.
According to the police, the operation turned violent when the suspect allegedly opened fire on security personnel while attempting to escape.
Usman said:
“The suspect led operatives to the hideout of the gang leader. On sighting security personnel, the kingpin opened fire and attempted to flee.”
The police spokesperson added:
“The operatives returned fire, neutralising him. One locally fabricated pistol was recovered from him.”
Authorities confirmed that the abducted victim was rescued during the operation.
Weapons Recovered
Police said weapons allegedly used by the criminal gang were recovered during the raid.
The recovered firearm has been taken into custody as evidence while investigations continue to track down the remaining members of the eight-man kidnapping syndicate.
Security agencies believe the group may have been involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within parts of Kebbi State and neighbouring communities.
Police Intensify Crackdown on Kidnappers
The latest operation comes amid growing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and banditry across northern Nigeria.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of the country’s major security challenges, particularly in rural communities where criminal groups frequently target travellers, farmers, and residents.
The Kebbi State Police Command said investigations are ongoing and vowed to arrest other members of the gang still at large.
Official Statement
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, police spokesman Bashir Usman said the operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
“The success of this operation was made possible through timely information from members of the public. We urge residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence,” he said.
Source
The details of the operation were contained in a statement issued by the Kebbi State Police Command and reported by Premium Times
Public Reactions
Following the announcement, several Nigerians praised the security operation.
Aminu Garba, Kebbi resident
“This is the kind of action people want to see. Kidnappers have caused too much pain in our communities.”
Musa Ibrahim, social commentator
“The rescue of the victim is just as important as the arrest and neutralisation of the suspects.”
Zainab Bello, security analyst
“The key takeaway is that intelligence gathering worked. Community cooperation remains critical in fighting insecurity.”
The police have assured residents that efforts are underway to dismantle the remaining network and prevent future attacks in the area.
