Police arrest 25 suspects, recover arms, stolen vehicles

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has made significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime, arresting 25 suspects linked to kidnapping, murder, fraud, and drug trafficking.
Officials also recovered firearms, stolen vehicles, illicit drugs, and valuables worth millions of naira through a series of intelligence-driven operations across the state and beyond.
Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu announced the arrests on Monday during a briefing at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna.
He explained that the operations, conducted over the past two weeks using intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, demonstrate the Command’s dedication to limiting criminals’ space to operate.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to tackling all forms of criminality through intelligence-led policing, strategic operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies and members of the public,” Rabiu stated.
One of the major achievements was the arrest of six suspected kidnappers and bandits in Sagamu, Ogun State, following intelligence about the movement of search firearms across state lines.
The suspects—Bukar Bulama, Abubakar Mohammad, Mohammad Usman, Ibrahim Sani, Aliyu Usman, and Dan Bello Umaru—were located and captured after an extensive search.
Officers recovered two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and four cartridges.
In Zaria, members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit detained Yahya Alhaji Yusuf for allegedly being involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and armed robbery.
Rabiu said the suspect admitted during questioning to participating in various criminal activities and confirmed receiving N6 million in ransom from victims abducted along the Buruku area.
Police also arrested Usama Tijjani, identified as a serial fraudster who lures women to hotels, gains their trust, and steals their valuables. Investigations found that he had tricked and robbed over 200 women of mobile phones, jewelry, and other personal items.
Officers recovered gold jewelry valued at more than N30 million and 20 mobile phones believed to be stolen property.
In Kagarko Local Government Area, 13 suspects were detained in connection with the killing of two individuals accused of witchcraft in the Katuga Unguwar Ruwa community.
Rabiu said the operation was based on investigations into allegations of conspiracy, homicide, and public incitement.
The Command also arrested two suspected drug dealers in Zaria, with 2,700 sachets of tramadol confiscated from them.
During separate operations across the state, police recovered four stolen vehicles.
Three suspected car thieves were caught attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla to a potential buyer in Kaduna.
Rabiu praised residents for providing reliable intelligence, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital for maintaining the gains against crime. He urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activities promptly.
“These achievements underscore the Command’s unwavering determination to deny criminals the freedom to operate within Kaduna State.
“We shall continue to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement, and sustain targeted operations against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and other crimes,” he added..