KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA - Security forces comprising personnel of the Kebbi State Police Command and the Nigerian military have neutralised several suspected terrorists during a joint clearance operation in Kebbi State.


The operation was carried out at about 6:05 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Gumki Forest in Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area of the state.


According to statements issued by the Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, and the spokesman for the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the joint team engaged the terrorists during the operation and overpowered them.


Gumki Forest, located near the Nigeria-Niger border, has reportedly been used as a route by bandits and Lakurawa elements operating in the area.


The operation also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, motorcycles and other items believed to be associated with the criminal elements.


Among the items recovered were one PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles, two mobile phones, military camouflage uniforms, a pair of boots and charms.


The Army said troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, encountered the terrorists while advancing through identified terrorist enclaves and engaged them with superior firepower.


According to Osoba, several terrorists were eliminated, while others abandoned their positions and fled into the forest.


A follow-up search of the area reportedly led to the recovery of additional weapons and ammunition, including a PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles and quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Security personnel also recovered N87,000 in cash and other combat-related items.


The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the operatives for their courage and dedication, while urging residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information.


The police and military authorities said clearance operations would continue in the area as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves, curb banditry and restore lasting security to affected communities.


The operation comes amid sustained security challenges in parts of north-western Nigeria, particularly areas around the Kebbi-Niger border.