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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against banditry and illegal arms trafficking, neutralising several suspected criminals and arresting multiple gunrunners in coordinated operations across parts of the state.
Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad in a statement on Monday said the intelligence-driven raids were carried out in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas throughout February. He explained that security operatives stormed identified hideouts and camps linked to bandit groups, leading to gun battles in which a number of suspects were killed, while others escaped with injuries.
According to the Command, “the operations also led to the arrest of suspected informants and individuals believed to be supplying drugs and logistics to criminal gangs.”
Police authorities revealed that five alleged gunrunners and other suspected notorious bandits were taken into custody. A cache of weapons was recovered, including AK-47 rifles, a submachine gun, pistols, dozens of fabricated firearms and a large quantity of hard drugs.
“In one of the operations conducted on February 17, officers intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani over a suspected illegal arms deal. They were reportedly caught with a locally made AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.
“Days later, on February 20, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspect in Jaji Town, Igabi Local Government Area, allegedly in possession of multiple fabricated rifles, pistols, magazines and other items. Another suspect from Jos North was also apprehended in connection with the case.”
Preliminary investigations, police said, indicate that “the suspects were engaged in the production and distribution of illegal firearms, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements operating within and beyond Kaduna State.”
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to dismantle the wider network and track the movement of the seized arms.
The Command reaffirmed its resolve to intensify intelligence-led policing strategies aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring security across the state.