From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command announced that it has arrested eight individuals and recovered 34 assorted firearms during a two‑week intelligence-led operation targeting banditry, gunrunning, and kidnapping across the state. Commissioner of Police
CP Rabiu Muhammad, psc, mni, disclosed the results at a press briefing at the command headquarters, stressing that the sweep forms part of a sustained campaign to rid Kaduna of violent crime. [1]
According to CP Muhammad, a major clearance operation in February 2026 targeted bandit camps and criminal hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas.
The raids dislodged several camps, neutralized some bandits, and forced others to flee, some with injuries. Suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to the networks were also taken into custody. [1]
The operation netted eight “notorious” suspects—five gunrunners and three bandits—and a cache of weapons. Items recovered include three English AK‑47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one SMG rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, and a large quantity of hard drugs, bringing the total number of arms seized to 34. [1]
On 20 February 2026, at about 21:00 hours, detectives from the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit arrested Adamu Aminu of Jaji Town, Igabi LGA, who was found with six fabricated AK‑47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven English AK‑47 magazines, and one black Wellco boot.
A second suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested. Preliminary investigations link both men to illegal arms fabrication and supply, feeding criminal activities within and beyond Kaduna State. [1]
Three days earlier, on 17 February 2026, credible intelligence on an illegal weapons transaction led operatives to Kasuwan Magani, where they intercepted and arrested three men: *Peter Pama* of Iburu, Saleh Monday of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani.
The trio possessed one locally fabricated AK‑47 rifle and one fabricated pump‑action gun. Investigations are ongoing to map the full extent of the network and bring all participants to justice. [1]
CP Muhammad emphasized that these achievements underscore the command’s commitment to “proactive, intelligence‑driven policing” and its resolve to cut the supply chain of illegal arms that fuel banditry and violent crime in Kaduna.
He reiterated that the police will not relent in dismantling criminal networks, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing intelligence gathering, and sustaining aggressive operations.
He expressed gratitude to Inspector‑General of Police *IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM* and his management team for their leadership and guidance.
He thanked the Kaduna State Government for its unwavering logistics support. He also commended the officers and men of the command for their courage and professionalism, and acknowledged the public for providing credible information that enabled the successes.
“Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secured for all law‑abiding citizens,” CP Muhammad concluded.
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