The Kaduna State Police Command says it has recorded significant operational successes over the past two weeks, including the dislodgement of bandit camps.
The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, revealed this during a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.
Muhammad explained that the command also apprehended several suspected gunrunners and seized numerous illegal firearms and drugs across the state. He noted that these achievements followed intelligence-driven clearance operations conducted in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas.
He further disclosed that multiple bandit camps were dismantled during the operations, with some suspects neutralised in exchanges of fire while others fled with injuries. The commissioner added that suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also arrested.
Items recovered during the operations, according to Muhammad, include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one sub-machine gun (SMG) rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, and large quantities of hard drugs. He also noted the apprehension of five suspected notorious gunrunners.
”On Feb. 20 at about 9 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence, arrested one suspect of Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.
”The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots.
”In connection with the crime, another suspect of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested.
”Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fueling criminal activities within and beyond state,” he said.
The commissioner also said that investigation was ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.
Muhammad further said that on Feb. 17, operatives intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani following intelligence on an illegal arms transaction.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun.
The achievements underscored the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting the supply chain of illegal arms fueling banditry and violent crimes.
He reiterated that the command would not relent in dismantling criminal networks across the state.
”We will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for leadership and support.
He also appreciated the Kaduna state government for logistics support and commended officers and men of the command for courage and professionalism.
Muhammad further appreciated members of the public for providing credible information to security agencies.
”Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna state remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” he said