By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, arresting 29 suspects linked to kidnapping, murder, vehicle theft and drug trafficking during a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Kaduna, stating that the arrests and recoveries were made over a two-week period through coordinated operations involving police tactical units, other security agencies and community members.
According to the Commissioner, the suspects include 12 alleged kidnappers, 13 persons linked to culpable homicide, and four suspected vehicle thieves.
The Command also recovered several firearms, four stolen vehicles and large quantities of illicit drugs.
One of the most significant operations occurred on June 5, when police operatives tracked six suspected bandits to a forest hideout in Sagamu, Ogun State, following intelligence reports on the movement of illegal firearms.
The suspects identified as Bukar Bulama, Abubakar Mohammad, Mohammad Usman, Ibrahim Sani, Aliyu Usman and Dan Bello Umaru were arrested during the raid.
Recovered from them were two AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition and four cartridges.
Rabiu said the suspects had been transferred to Kaduna State for further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Zaria arrested one Yahya Alhaji Yusuf on May 28 over allegations bordering on kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and cattle rustling.
Investigators said the suspect confessed to participating in the abduction of two victims along the Buruku axis, from which a ransom of N6 million was allegedly collected. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation.
The Command also announced the arrest of one Usama Tijjani, who allegedly operated a scheme in which women were lured to hotels under false pretences before being dispossessed of their phones and valuables.
Police said the suspect admitted targeting more than 200 women. Items recovered from him include gold jewellery estimated at over N30 million and 20 mobile phones believed to be proceeds of crime.
On June 11, a joint police team led by CSP Sani Ibrahim Zuntu stormed Katuga Unguwar Ruwa Village in Kagarko Local Government Area, arresting 13 suspects over the killing of Isiyaka Bijimi and Mercy Danladi.
The incident, police said, stemmed from allegations of witchcraft and triggered communal unrest within the community.
Among those arrested were Comfort Emmanuel, Ayuba Jatau and Daniel Enoch, alongside 10 other suspects.
The Command further recorded success in its fight against drug trafficking with the arrest of Jamilu Ahmed and Mubarak Ibrahim on June 10 in Zaria.
The suspects were apprehended with 2,700 sachets of Tramadol and reportedly confessed to distributing the substance within the Zaria metropolis.
In separate vehicle theft operations, police arrested Shamsudeen Usman of Maiduguri on June 3 for allegedly stealing a Golf III Station Wagon in the Makera area of Kakuri, Kaduna.
The vehicle was later recovered along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway.
Three other suspects identified as Shehu Muhammed, Abubakar Musa and Adamu Manu were apprehended the following day while attempting to sell a stolen Toyota Corolla LE within Kaduna metropolis.
Similarly, a Hyundai Sonata reported stolen at Murtala Mohammed Square on May 27 was recovered after the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting police operatives.
The Commissioner of Police described the achievements as a reflection of the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety across Kaduna State.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and Governor Uba Sani for their support, while commending residents for providing credible intelligence that aided the operations.
Rabiu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue collaborating with security agencies, stressing that collective efforts remain crucial to sustaining the fight against crime in the state.
He also appealed to the judiciary to permit the public parade of suspects arrested with incriminating exhibits, noting that such measures could serve as a deterrent and enhance public awareness on crime prevention.
