By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a suspected gun runner and three alleged members of an armed bandit gang, recovering firearms, ammunition, suspected cannabis and other exhibits in separate operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna, noting that the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing, strategic operations and collaboration with security agencies and the public.
On August 25, operatives of the Sabon Gari Division arrested a 39-year-old man, identified as Kenneth from Delta State, at Yan’Karfe Motor Park, Zaria. He was allegedly found with a sack containing potatoes, which upon search revealed two AK-49 rifles, 228 rounds of RPG ammunition, 275 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, five AK-47 magazines and suspected hard drugs.
The command also arrested three suspected bandits along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on August 24. The suspects: Ibrahim Muhammad (alias Alti, 25), Usman Tukur (alias Mallam, 27), and Hassan Alhaji Salisu (alias Tagwaye, 23), confessed to being members of a gang operating around Millennium City and other parts of Kaduna.
CP Muhammad further reported the arrest of Gideon Martins at Sabon Tasha on July 22, with recovered items including a locally made double-barrel gun, handcuff, live 9mm ammunition, cartridges, a POS machine, drilling machine and security uniforms.
In another operation, police intercepted a motorcyclist along Kachia Road on August 25, recovering 134 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition concealed in a sack. The suspect allegedly claimed he was sent by a notorious bandit known as “Yellow Mai-million.”
On August 15, eleven sacks of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis were recovered along the Zaria-Kano Expressway after occupants of a Volkswagen Golf fled on sighting police operatives.
The Commissioner also confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to armed robbery and rape incidents around Rafin Tukurwa, near Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, following a joint operation with ABU Security and the Civilian Joint Task Force. The suspects allegedly confessed to multiple attacks in nearby villages.
CP Muhammad assured that investigations were ongoing and suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion. He reiterated the command’s commitment to intensifying clearance operations to rid Kaduna communities of criminal elements.