By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 25 suspects linked to kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, car theft and drug trafficking, in a series of coordinated operations across the state over the past two weeks.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kaduna, noting that the arrests followed intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
According to him, those arrested include 12 suspected kidnappers, 13 suspects linked to culpable homicide, and four suspected car snatchers.
Rabiu said operatives also recovered four stolen vehicles and intercepted 2,700 sachets of Tramadol in separate operations within Kaduna and Zaria.
He explained that one of the major breakthroughs involved the arrest of six suspected kidnappers in Sagamu, Ogun State, following intelligence on the movement of illicit firearms across state borders.
The suspects were identified as Bukar Bulama, Abubakar Mohammad, Mohammad Usman, Ibrahim Sani, Aliyu Usman and Dan Bello Umaru.
A search of their hideout reportedly led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, one locally fabricated pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition and four cartridges.
In another operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Zaria arrested Yahya Alhaji Yusuf, who allegedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and armed robbery. Police said an AK-47 rifle was recovered from him.
The command also arrested a suspected serial fraudster, Usama Tijjani, accused of deceiving over 200 women and stealing their valuables, including jewellery and mobile phones. Items recovered were said to be worth over N30 million.
Rabiu further disclosed that 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of two persons in Kagarko Local Government Area over allegations of witchcraft-related accusations and mob violence.
He said the arrests followed a joint investigation into criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and incitement of public disturbance.
The police also intercepted two suspected drug traffickers, Jamilu Ahmed and Mubarak Ibrahim, allegedly transporting 2,700 sachets of Tramadol within the Zaria metropolis.
In addition, four suspected car thieves were arrested and stolen vehicles recovered, including a Volkswagen Golf III, a Toyota Corolla LE and a Hyundai Sonata.
Rabiu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, drug trafficking and vehicle theft.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police for support, as well as the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani, for backing security agencies.
He also praised residents for providing timely intelligence, urging continued cooperation to improve security across the state.
