Police arrest 10 suspected bandits, recover eight firearms in Kaduna

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By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

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The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected armed bandits and recovered eight firearms, including fabricated AK-47 rifles and pistols, in separate operations across the state.

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The Command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.

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In a statement ,the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said a case involving criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms and ammunition was transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.

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He said during the course of investigation, detectives arrested five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa.

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According to the statement, the operatives recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two fabricated pistols from the suspects.

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“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in illegal sales of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and its environs,” the statement said.

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The police added that the suspects confessed to supplying weapons to other previously arrested suspects identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.

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The Command said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and arrest other accomplices connected to the illegal arms network.

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In another operation on May 5, 2026, at about 8pm, police operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, both of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area.

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The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition.

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Similarly, detectives raided the residence of one Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village in Ikara LGA, who is currently at large.

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During the raid, another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from the premises, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication and supply of firearms to criminal elements to desist from such activities or face the full wrath of the law.

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He assured residents that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to tackle criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across Kaduna State.

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