Police nab gunrunning syndicate, 10 suspected bandits in Kaduna

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Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested 10 suspected bandits and recovered eight firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

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The command said the operations led to the recovery of six locally fabricated firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, as well as ammunition allegedly meant for criminal elements operating in parts of the state.

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The state police public relations officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

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According to the statement, a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms and ammunition was transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026, prompting operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to launch an investigation.

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The police said five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa were subsequently arrested.

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“During the operation, detectives recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two fabricated pistols from the suspects,” the statement said.

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The command added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly specialised in the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and surrounding communities.

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“The suspects further confessed to having supplied the weapons to other previously arrested suspects,” the statement added, naming the suspects as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.

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The police said investigation was ongoing to uncover the full extent of the arms supply syndicate and arrest other accomplices.

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In a related development, the command said operatives acting on credible intelligence on May 5 arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, both of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area, for allegedly possessing a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm ammunition.

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The statement added that another intelligence-led raid at the residence of one Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara Local Government Area, led to the recovery of another fabricated AK-47 rifle.

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Tanko was said to be currently at large.

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The statement quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as warning individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication and supply of firearms to criminal groups to desist from such activities.

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“The command remains resolute in identifying, tracking and prosecuting all those connected to criminal networks across the state,” the CP said.

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He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property in the state.

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