Police nab 29 suspects, recover weapons, stolen cars in Kaduna
Kaduna Police Command Arrests 29 Suspects in Recent Operations
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 29 suspects and the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, and illicit drugs during a series of operations conducted over the past two weeks to address violent crime in the region.
At a press briefing, Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu reported that the arrests were a result of intelligence-driven policing, collaboration with other security agencies, and tips from local residents.
Among those apprehended, twelve are believed to be involved in kidnapping, thirteen are linked to murder cases, and four are suspected vehicle thieves. Authorities also recovered four stolen vehicles during these coordinated efforts.
One significant operation occurred on June 5, when police tracked alleged bandits to a forest in Sagamu, Ogun State, following intelligence on illegal arms movement. Six suspects — Bukar Bulama, Abubakar Mohammad, Mohammad Usman, Ibrahim Sani, Aliyu Usman, and Dan Bello Umaru — were arrested, along with the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, a pump-action shotgun, a locally fabricated pistol, and ammunition.
Rabiu stated that the suspects have been returned to Kaduna for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate incident, members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Zaria arrested Yahya Alhaji Yusuf on May 28 on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and banditry. Police reported that Yusuf confessed to abducting two individuals and collecting a ransom of N6 million, with an AK-47 rifle found at the time of his arrest.
Additionally, police apprehended Usama Tijjani, accused of using false identities to deceive women into hotels, where he allegedly stole their mobile phones and jewelry. Investigators revealed that Tijjani had defrauded over 200 women, leading to the recovery of 20 mobile phones and gold jewelry valued at more than N30 million.
A joint security team led by CSP Sani Ibrahim Zuntu arrested 13 suspects in Katuga Unguwar Ruwa Village on June 11, in connection with the deaths of Isiyaka Bijimi and Mercy Danladi, allegedly linked to accusations of witchcraft that incited community violence.
In drug enforcement efforts, Jamilu Ahmed and Mubarak Ibrahim were arrested in Zaria with 2,700 sachets of Tramadol, allegedly intended for distribution within the metropolis.
To combat vehicle theft, police detained Shamsudeen Usman for allegedly stealing a Golf III Station Wagon in the Makera area of Kakuri; the vehicle was subsequently recovered along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. Three additional suspects — Shehu Muhammed, Abubakar Musa, and Adamu Manu — were also arrested while allegedly attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla LE in Kaduna.
Authorities recovered a Hyundai Sonata reported stolen at Murtala Mohammed Square after the suspected thieves abandoned it during a police pursuit.
Commissioner Rabiu emphasized that these operations reflect the police command’s commitment to increasing pressure on criminal activities throughout the state.
