The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three suspected gunrunners and six suspects linked to a counterfeit currency syndicate during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the state over the last two weeks.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the operations underscored the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
Muhammad said the operations also led to the neutralisation of notorious kidnappers and the recovery of 10 firearms of different calibres, 170 suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes, a stolen Toyota Sienna vehicle, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, rustled livestock and other stolen property.
He added that the command recovered stolen property worth about N78 million, comprising 190 solar inverters valued at about N69 million and 10 lithium batteries worth about N9 million.
Muhammad said one of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin, Abdullahi Mohammed, alias “Aala”, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering by operatives of the Anchau Division in collaboration with members of the Yan Sa Kai.
He said the suspect confessed to masterminding several kidnapping incidents in Kuzuntu Village, Ikara Local Government Area, and parts of Kano State, and also admitted participating in the killing of two members of the Yan Sa Kai during an attack carried out last year.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition linked to the suspect”.
Muhammad also said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspected gunrunners identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha in Jos, Plateau State, on July 25.
The suspects were found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and allegedly confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits. He said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
According to him, the command also uncovered a counterfeit currency syndicate following the arrest of Aisha Barau, 20, of Ramin Kura Village, who was allegedly found in possession of suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes while attempting to exchange them for naira.
Muhammad said her confession led to the arrest of Abdullahi Muhammad, Danbala Jibrin and other members of the syndicate, who would be prosecuted after investigations.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Anti-Car Theft Section recovered a Toyota Sienna reportedly stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna.
“The vehicle was traced to Zaria, where one Mohammed Shehu was arrested, while his confession led to the arrest of another suspect, Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in fabricating duplicate vehicle keys used by car thieves”.
Muhammad further said police operatives foiled a cattle rustling operation in Damanko Village, Zaria local government area, recovering 80 cattle and 10 sheep after engaging the fleeing suspects in a gun duel.
He also said operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 190 solar inverters and 10 lithium batteries from a store in Zaria.
“Preliminary investigations indicated that the items were suspected to have been stolen from a container destined for Zaria during transit, while efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible, establish ownership of the recovered property and dismantle the criminal network involved”.
Muhammad also said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Alex Odoh and Daniel Eze over the alleged supply of hard drugs to bandits operating around Kasuwar Magani.
He said a large quantity of hard drugs worth millions of naira was recovered from the suspects, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.
The commissioner commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime across Kaduna State.
He said the command would continue to work with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups and other security agencies to ensure safety of Kaduna residents.
Muhammad urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible intelligence, assuring residents that the command remained committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
