NIGERIA: The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, arresting 12 suspected kidnappers, 13 murder suspects, four alleged car thieves, and recovering stolen vehicles, firearms, and hard drugs within the last two weeks.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he highlighted the Command’s recent achievements in combating criminal activities across the state through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the police commissioner, six suspected bandits were arrested following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the movement of illegal firearms from Kaduna to Sagamu, Ogun State.
The suspects were identified as Bukar Bulama, Abubakar Mohammad, Mohammad Usman, Ibrahim Sani, Aliyu Usman, and Dan Bello Umaru.
Rabiu said a search of the suspects’ hideout in a forest led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, one fabricated pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and four cartridges.
He added that the suspects had been transferred to Kaduna for further investigation and prosecution.
The police commissioner also announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Yahya Alhaji Yusuf, who allegedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and armed robbery.
According to Rabiu, the suspect admitted collecting a ransom of N6 million after abducting two victims along the Buruku axis. An AK-47 rifle linked to him was also recovered during the investigation.
In a separate operation, the Command arrested one Usama Tijjani, who allegedly specialised in luring women to hotels, gaining their trust, and subsequently stealing their phones, jewellery, and other valuables.
Police said the suspect confessed to defrauding more than 200 women through the scheme.
Items recovered from the suspect included gold jewellery valued at over N30 million and 20 mobile phones believed to be proceeds of crime.
The commissioner said investigations were ongoing to identify victims and reunite them with their recovered property.
The Command further arrested 13 suspects in connection with the killing of two persons accused of witchcraft in Katuga Unguwar Ruwa Village, Kagarko Local Government Area.
According to police, the incident escalated into communal violence, prompting a coordinated security operation that led to the arrests.
The suspects are being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, witchcraft-related accusations, and incitement of public disturbance.
Rabiu assured residents that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In its campaign against drug trafficking, the Command also intercepted two suspected drug dealers, Jamilu Ahmed and Mubarak Ibrahim, who were allegedly transporting 2,700 sachets of tramadol.
The suspects reportedly confessed to supplying hard drugs within Zaria and surrounding communities.
The Command equally recorded successes against vehicle theft, arresting four suspected car thieves and recovering four stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Corolla, a Golf III Station Wagon, and a Hyundai Sonata.
Some of the suspects reportedly confessed to belonging to organised vehicle theft syndicates operating across state lines.
Rabiu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Kaduna State Government, and residents for their support and cooperation, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in making Kaduna State safer.
