Police arrest 10 suspected bandits in Kaduna, uncover illegal arms network
Kaduna Police Arrest 10 Suspected Armed Bandits, Seize Firearms
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended 10 individuals believed to be involved in armed banditry and has recovered eight firearms during ongoing operations aimed at curbing violent crime and the illegal circulation of weapons.
The arrests resulted from intelligence-driven actions taken by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and various tactical teams within the command. According to a statement issued on Friday by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan, a significant breakthrough occurred following the transfer of a case involving criminal conspiracy and illegal firearms dealing from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.
As part of the investigation, authorities arrested five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa. During the operation, police recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that these suspects were engaged in the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in Ikara and its surrounding areas,” the statement noted. Additionally, the suspects admitted to supplying weapons to other individuals previously arrested, including Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato, and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.
The police emphasized that investigations are ongoing to locate other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
In a separate operation on May 5, 2026, around 8 p.m., law enforcement officials acting on credible intelligence arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, in the Kubau Local Government Area. They allegedly possessed a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle along with 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition.
Furthermore, police conducted a search at the residence of Mathew Tanko in Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara LGA. Tanko is currently at large. A fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from his home during the raid.
Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad has issued a warning to individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication, and supply of firearms to criminal groups, urging them to cease their activities or face prosecution.
