By Abigail Philip David
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one suspected armed robber and the arrest of another during a gunfight in a forested area of the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on December 9, 2024, during a routine patrol by a combined team of police officers and vigilantes from the Zogirma Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to the statement, “Around 5:00 PM, while patrolling the Tilli/Durhella forest, the team encountered two individuals, identified as Gaboje Alhaji Bello from Sabuwar Tunga village, Bunza LGA, and Wantude Alhaji Adure from Ilorin, Kwara State. Upon being challenged, the suspects opened fire.”
The police responded, leading to a shootout in which Gaboje was fatally shot, and his accomplice, Wantude, was apprehended. The team recovered a locally-made pistol and one live cartridge from the suspects.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, commended the officers for their bravery and effectiveness in tackling criminal elements. He urged the team to sustain their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Kebbi residents.
Sani also directed the Divisional Police Officer to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner reiterated the command’s dedication to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all law-abiding citizens in the state.