By Ayomide Otitoju
The Kebbi State Police Command says 44 people were killed following coordinated attacks on several communities in Shanga Local Government Area.
The affected villages include Gebe, Kalkami, Kawara, Kasoshi, Awaye, Tungar Rini, Binuwa, and Dabe.
In a statement issued on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said the command had launched a statewide clearance operation following the incident.
He explained that the operation was carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at preventing further banditry and violent crimes across the state.
According to the police, heavy deployments have been made to the affected areas, leading to the restoration of relative calm in the communities.
The ongoing operation targets high-risk locations, including farmlands, forests, border communities, and remote settlements. It also involves coordinated patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search exercises, and joint security operations.
As part of the crackdown, police said two AK-47 rifles were recovered along the Illo–Kamba axis, describing the recovery as evidence of effective intelligence-led policing.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Hadejia, urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, and youth groups to collaborate with authorities in efforts to restore lasting peace across Kebbi State.
