The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kaduna State Police Command has recently made significant progress in their fight against illegal arms trade and banditry within the region. In a noteworthy operation, they apprehended two suspects known for their involvement in the illicit trade of firearms. The suspects, identified as Abdulaziz Habibu and Nuhu Thomas, are both residents of Dogon Dawa, located in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. Their arrest took place at Madaci Village in Zaria, where they were found in possession of a fabricated AK-47 rifle.
According to a statement released by ASP Mansir Hassan, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, the two suspects have confessed to their involvement in the illegal arms trade. Their primary activity involved supplying locally made weapons to notorious bandits operating in the Zaria area and its environs. The confessions obtained from the suspects have provided law enforcement with valuable information, offering crucial leads that are aiding the ongoing investigation. The authorities are now focused on identifying and apprehending other accomplices involved in this criminal network.
In a separate but related development, the police also succeeded in arresting another individual believed to be an informant for bandits in the region. This suspect, Abubakar Yahuza, a 35-year-old resident of Gidan Abeh Village, was apprehended by operatives from the Tafa Division. During interrogation, Yahuza admitted to serving as a liaison between bandits and their sources of information. He confessed to running errands and relaying critical intelligence to the kidnappers who are known to operate from within the Gidan Dogo Forest in Kagarko Local Government Area.
The police’s efforts to curb banditry did not stop there. In another daring operation, officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) stationed in Kuriga successfully rescued two farmers who had been abducted by bandits at Kuriga Village in Chikun Local Government Area. This operation took place on Sunday, August 18th, when officers responded swiftly to gunfire heard on the outskirts of the village. Upon their arrival, the police encountered two armed men on motorcycles attempting to kidnap the farmers. A brief but intense exchange of gunfire ensued, ultimately forcing the bandits to flee the scene and abandon their captives.
The two rescued victims had sustained head injuries inflicted by their assailants but were quickly given medical attention at the Kuriga Primary Health Care Centre. Following their treatment, the victims were discharged, and they have since returned to their families.
These recent successes by the Kaduna State Police Command highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle the networks of banditry and illegal arms trade that have plagued the region. The commitment of the police to restoring peace and security in Kaduna State remains unwavering, as they continue to work tirelessly to bring those involved in these criminal activities to justice.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities. As the investigation into these cases progresses, the authorities are confident that more arrests will be made, bringing an end to the reign of terror inflicted by these criminal elements.
