Writing By Daniel Karlmax ; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected armed bandits and recovered eight firearms during a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the arrests followed investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal arms dealing transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters since early this month.
The police disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa.
Items recovered from the suspects include four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two fabricated pistols.
Preliminary investigations, according to it revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and surrounding communities.
The suspects reportedly confessed to supplying weapons to other previously arrested suspects identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato, and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.
The Command stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network of the syndicate and arrest other accomplices connected to the illegal arms trade.
In a related development, police operatives acting on credible intelligence on May 5, 2026, arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, both residents of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area.
The police recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition from the suspects.
Similarly, detectives raided the residence of a fleeing suspect, Mathew Tanko, in Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara Local Government Area, where another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered.
The suspect is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication, and supply of firearms to criminal groups to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.
He assured residents that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Daniel Karlmax
