Kaduna police neutralise bandits, arrest gunrunners, recover weapons and drugs

Kaduna State — The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing operations against banditry, gunrunning, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, arresting several suspects and recovering illegal firearms and hard drugs over the past two weeks.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led clearance operations in February 2026 across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas, targeting known bandit camps and criminal hideouts.

In the course of fierce exchanges, some bandits were neutralised while others fled with injuries. Suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended,” CP Muhammad said.

The operations led to the arrest of several notorious bandits and five gunrunners. Recovered items include three English-made AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one submachine gun (SMG), two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, and a substantial quantity of hard drugs.

On February 20, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Adamu Aminu of Jaji Town, Igabi LGA, in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolvers, two fabricated pistols, seven English AK-47 magazines, and a black Wellco boot. Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also apprehended in connection with the case.

Investigations indicate the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and distribution, fueling criminal activities within and beyond Kaduna State. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate.

Similarly, on February 17, 2026, three suspects — Peter Pama and Saleh Monday of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani — were arrested over an illegal weapons transaction, with one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and a fabricated pump-action gun recovered.

CP Muhammad described the operations as evidence of the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing. “We will not relent in our determination to dismantle all criminal networks operating within the state. The Command will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering, and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.

The Commissioner commended Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, for his leadership, as well as the Kaduna State Government for logistical support. He also praised officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and urged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” CP Muhammad added.

Culled from vanguard