Kaduna Police Arrest 10 Suspected Bandits, Recover 8 Firearms

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected armed bandits and recovered eight locally fabricated firearms in a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Ikara, Kubau and adjoining communities in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, the Command said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms supply networks fuelling banditry and other violent crimes in Kaduna State.

According to the statement, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters, arrested five suspects: Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa.

The Command said four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

Preliminary investigations, it added, indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of firearms to armed criminal groups operating within Ikara and neighbouring communities.

The statement further disclosed that the suspects allegedly confessed to supplying weapons to previously arrested individuals identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.

“The investigation is ongoing to unravel the full extent of the arms trafficking network, track additional collaborators, and ensure all those connected are brought to justice,” the statement said.

In a separate operation on May 5, 2026, at about 8:00pm, police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Yunusa Yahaya (40) and Mustapha Yahaya (30), both of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area, with one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm ammunition recovered from them.

Similarly, detectives stormed the residence of Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village in Ikara LGA, where another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered. The suspect, however, was not found during the raid and has been declared wanted.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in illegal possession, fabrication and supply of firearms to criminal elements to desist, stressing that the Command remains committed to sustained pressure on criminal networks across the state.

He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue intelligence-led operations aimed at denying armed groups freedom of action and strengthening public safety across Kaduna State.