Kaduna police recover 300 rounds of ammunition, three locally made guns
Kaduna Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Arrest Three Suspects
Makarfi, Kaduna State — The Kaduna State Police Command announced that its officers successfully thwarted a suspected kidnapping attempt in the Makarfi Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three individuals in separate operations. Authorities also recovered three locally made firearms and 300 rounds of live ammunition.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the first incident took place around 1:15 a.m. on September 20. Armed assailants attacked a resident in Gimi Ward, prompting a distress call to the police.
Police operatives from the Makarfi Division, aided by local vigilantes, swiftly responded and engaged the attackers in a gunfight. “The operatives eventually overpowered the attackers with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee into the bush,” the statement read.
During the encounter, one suspect, identified as 20-year-old Usman Alhaji Dahiru, sustained injuries and was apprehended. Authorities reported that Dahiru was found in possession of a locally made rifle with three live cartridges, a locally made pistol with one live round, and a bag containing charms.
Efforts are underway to locate the other suspects currently evading capture.
In a separate operation on September 21, police arrested Jude Magaji from Ungwan Asibiti after receiving intelligence regarding his alleged possession of a locally fabricated pistol and intimidating local residents. Officers from the Gwantu Division tracked and detained Magaji, recovering the firearm during the arrest.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, while further investigation is ongoing to establish how he acquired the firearm and whether it has been used in any criminal activities,” the police statement noted.
Additionally, on September 22, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested two suspected arms traffickers, Rayyanu Adamu and Nasiru Abubakar, following a surveillance operation in the Giwa Local Government Area and nearby railway station. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of 270 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 30 rounds of Type 06 ammunition, totaling 300 rounds.
The police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition, as well as to identify others linked to the suspected trafficking network.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu commended the officers and local vigilantes for their prompt response and courage. He affirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against criminal activity in the region. “The Command will continue to sustain the onslaught against criminal elements,” he stated, urging residents to provide credible information to facilitate law enforcement’s efforts.
