Kaduna police arrest 24 suspected kidnappers, recover firearms, over 500 rounds of ammunition
Kaduna Police Arrest 24 Kidnapping Suspects, Seize Firearms and Ammunition
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 24 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and related criminal activities, recovering a significant cache of firearms and ammunition during various operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu announced the arrests during a press briefing on Wednesday, outlining the police’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, including kidnapping, banditry, arms trafficking, cattle rustling, and vehicle theft. He stated that the command is actively pursuing additional suspects who remain at large.
In one operation, police operatives from Operation Fushin Kada intercepted 45-year-old Abdullahi Ibrahim at Maraban Kanja on September 24, where they discovered two locally made AK-47 rifles, nine long guns, ten pistols, and other ammunition, including magazines and live cartridges. Ibrahim disclosed during questioning that he received the weapons from two individuals, Saidu Magari and Mallam Ado, who have not yet been apprehended.
Further investigations revealed additional arms recovered along the Kidandan-Birnin Gwari axis, including an AK-47 rifle, a Type-06 rifle, and an LAR rifle, which were seized from a vehicle in Dogarawa, Zaria. The primary suspect in that case is still at large, and efforts are underway to uncover the wider network behind the arms movement.
Additionally, police arrested two men, Rayyanu Adamu and Nasiru Abubakar, suspected of being part of an arms trafficking syndicate. They were found in possession of 270 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 30 rounds of Type-06 ammunition. Investigators are working to trace the origin and intended recipients of this ammunition.
In response to a reported bandit attack in Gimi Ward, Makarfi Local Government Area, police engaged attackers in a gunfight on September 20. One suspect, Usman Alhaji Dahiru, 20, was shot and arrested; police seized a locally made rifle, a pistol, and several rounds of ammunition during that encounter.
The police command also recovered a stolen Hyundai Elantra in New Panteka and arrested two individuals, Hamza Yushau and Abdullahi Abdullahi, who were allegedly attempting to create a new key for the vehicle. Both men reportedly purchased the car from Abdulkadir Yahaya from Zaria, who is currently evading capture and allegedly aware of the vehicle’s stolen status from Kwara State.
Commissioner Rabiu emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and enhancing intelligence efforts. He outlined key operational strategies, including intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, and community partnerships aimed at improving response times to security threats.
Rabiu acknowledged the operational support and guidance from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and expressed gratitude to Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani for logistical backing. He also recognized the contributions of police officers, local communities, and vigilante groups in supporting security initiatives.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information regarding criminal activities through established police communication channels, assuring the public that all information would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
