The Kebbi State Police Command has secured the conviction of 19 individuals for offences including terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and vandalism of critical national infrastructure.
The convictions followed 17 months of investigation and prosecution at the Federal High Court in Birnin Kebbi, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Gakko.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, the convictions resulted from intelligence-led operations across Yauri, Bagudo, Sakaba and other security flashpoints in the state.
Two men, Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi, were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of three counts relating to terrorism, providing logistics to an armed terrorist group, and conspiracy to commit terrorism. The court also ordered the forfeiture of their vehicle and a Bajaj motorcycle to the Federal Government.
In a separate case, 11 individuals were convicted of unlawful possession of firearms. Among them was a Chinese national, identified as Ripin Liu, who received a six-year prison sentence, with an option of a fine, for possessing a locally made Beretta pistol.
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Other defendants received prison terms ranging from two to four years, with some sentences carrying no option of a fine.
The police also secured the conviction of six individuals for vandalising and stealing electricity cables in Sakaba Local Government Area. The offences reportedly disrupted electricity supply to entire communities, with the convicts receiving sentences ranging from three to eight years.
Reacting to the judgments, the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, described the convictions as a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation and the destruction of public infrastructure.
He commended the presiding judge, investigators and prosecuting counsel for their efforts, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.
Hadejia also urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, assuring them that credible information would receive prompt attention.
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