From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force, Kaduna State Command, has recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on banditry, gunrunning and kidnapping, arresting several suspects and recovering a cache of illegal arms in the last two weeks.
Addressing reporters at the Command headquarters on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the successes followed intelligence-led clearance operations across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru local government areas.
He disclosed that several bandits’ camps were dislodged during the operations, with some suspects neutralized in fierce gun battles, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Informants and suspected drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.
According to him, many notorious bandits and five suspected gunrunners were arrested, while a significant cache of arms was recovered from different locations.
The recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, one SMG rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, 21 locally fabricated firearms and a large quantity of hard drugs.
In a related development, the CP said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on February 20 arrested one Adamu Aminu of Jaji, Igabi LGA, during a sting operation at about 9pm.
Items recovered from the suspect include six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots.
Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was arrested in connection with the illegal arms fabrication and supply network believed to be fueling criminal activities within and outside Kaduna State.
Similarly, on February 17, police operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted three suspects in Kasuwan Magani over an alleged illegal weapons transaction.
The suspects, Peter Pama, Saleh Monday and Sunday Makama, were arrested with a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and a fabricated pump-action gun.
Muhammad said investigations were ongoing to unravel the full extent of the syndicates, trace the distribution networks of the recovered weapons and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations and intelligence-driven policing, while appreciating the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kaduna State Government, officers of the Command and members of the public for their support in the fight against crime.
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