At least 20 people have been killed in an attack by suspected bandits on Fesken Rafi community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, prompting renewed concerns over insecurity in the area.

The Kebbi State Government expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the attack as tragic and extending condolences to the families of the victims and residents of the affected community.

Leading a government delegation on a condolence visit on Saturday, Deputy Governor Umar Tafida assured residents that the state government remains committed to tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property across Kebbi.

He announced that additional security personnel and operational resources would be deployed to the area to strengthen security operations, restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.

“We share in your grief and remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Kebbi State,” the deputy governor said during the visit.

The Chairman of Arewa Local Government Area, Sani Tela, and the member representing Arewa Constituency in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Nuradeen Kangiwa, told the delegation that the attack occurred a few days earlier and resulted in significant loss of life.

They commended Governor Nasir Idris for the administration’s efforts to combat insecurity and for its response to the plight of affected communities.

Traditional leaders, including the Dikkon Kabi, Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman, who represented the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, and the District Head of Bui, Alhaji Abubakar Dan-Malam, also praised the government’s intervention.

The traditional rulers appealed for the construction of a road linking Fesken Rafi to the main highway, saying improved access would enhance security response, facilitate economic activities and improve the living conditions of residents.

The attack highlights the continuing security challenges facing rural communities in parts of Kebbi State despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government to curb banditry and other criminal activities.

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed rumours claiming that schools in the state have been closed due to insecurity, describing the reports as false.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, made the clarification in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while responding to claims of school closures, kidnappings and the withdrawal of pupils by parents.

According to him, there is no truth to the speculation, stressing that academic activities are continuing as scheduled across the state.

Usman noted that students have recently resumed for the new term, while graduating students are safely sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, in various centres across Kebbi.

He added that the state’s school calendar remains under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and has not been disrupted by security concerns.

The police spokesperson further said security agencies, in collaboration with vigilante groups, have continued to carry out intelligence-led operations across the state to maintain peace and protect residents.

He maintained that recent arrests and the neutralisation of criminal elements demonstrate the effectiveness of the ongoing security efforts and urged the public to disregard unfounded rumours capable of causing panic.

Delta State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, arrested suspected armed robbers and recovered firearm and hard drugs.

The Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKU) successfully rescued a kidnap victim unhurt without the payment of ransom following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

The operation was launched the operation following information received by the Command on 11 June 2026 regarding the kidnap of a male victim by armed men at Okpanam on 10 June 2026.

Acting swiftly on the report, operatives deployed intelligence assets and commenced a strategic operation aimed at locating the victim and apprehending the perpetrators

Edafe Bright, the commands spoke person confirmed the victim was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and reunited with his family as efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigation into the incident continues.

As pressure mounted on the kidnappers through sustained intelligence gathering and operational deployment, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled from their hideout” Bright said

In a separate development, operatives of the Distress 01 Patrol Team attached to the Department of Operations, while on routine motorised patrol on 12 June 2026 at about 1230hrs in Asaba, intercepted a tricycle conveying three occupants.

The suspects were subjected to a search, during which one locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered.

The suspects, identified as Ewendeze De-Grace (19), Eruweghene Amede (20), and Chukwuemeka Arinze (21), were immediately arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity while the suspects and the recovered firearm are in custody while investigation is ongoing.

Again, in the continued efforts to curb drug-related crimes, operatives of the Kwale Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected drug distribution point in Kwale on 10 June 2026.

Upon sighting the operatives, two male suspects fled the premises, while one female suspect, identified as Ananyi Vivian, aged 45 years, was arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the premises were being used for illicit drug-related activities.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted being aware of the illegal activities taking place at the location.

Bright also said investigation is ongoing, and concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring all persons connected with the operation of the illicit drug point to justice