The Kaduna State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on banditry and illegal arms trafficking, neutralising several suspected criminals and recovering about 30 firearms during coordinated raids across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday. He said the successes were recorded over the past two weeks through intelligence-led operations targeting criminal camps and hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas.
According to him, police operatives engaged suspected bandits in gun battles, dislodging several camps. Some suspects were killed during the encounters, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Muhammad stated that several suspected bandits were arrested, alongside five individuals accused of supplying weapons to criminal groups. A substantial cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered.
The items seized include three English-made AK-47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated firearms, one submachine gun, two English-made pistols and four locally made pistols. Police also recovered a large quantity of suspected hard drugs believed to have been distributed to criminal elements.
In a separate operation, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Adamu Aminu of Jaji Town in Igabi Local Government Area on February 20. He was reportedly found with six locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols and seven English-made AK-47 magazines. A black Wellco boot was also recovered.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect is involved in the illegal production and distribution of firearms, contributing to criminal activities within and beyond Kaduna State.
Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was also arrested in connection with the arms supply network. The Commissioner said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate and track the distribution channels of the seized weapons.
Additionally, police intercepted three suspects in Kasuwan Magani on February 17 over an alleged illegal arms deal. The suspects — Peter Pama, Saleh Monday and Sunday Makama — were reportedly found with a locally made AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.
Muhammad said the operations demonstrate the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting off the supply of illegal weapons fueling violent crimes. He assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks would continue.
The Commissioner also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership and strategic direction in the fight against insecurity.
