Kaduna police bust robbery gangs, illegal arms syndicate

In a sweeping operation to curb rising insecurity, the Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal arms production.

The coordinated efforts also led to the recovery of multiple firearms, stolen vehicles, and ammunition. The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the arrests stemmed from “credible intelligence and rapid tactical deployments.”

One of the notable arrests was that of Nura Auwal, accused of a brutal attack on a commercial motorcycle rider on June 30. The suspect, who posed as a passenger, allegedly stabbed the 40-year-old operator and fled with the motorcycle. Police recovered the stolen bike after swift action by officers from the Kawo Division. “The victim is receiving treatment, and the suspect is in custody,” DSP Hassan confirmed.

In a separate incident on June 19, officers apprehended two suspects — Sanusi Bala from Zamfara and Nura Bala from Zaria — while attempting to rob a tricycle operator. They reportedly confessed to belonging to a vehicle theft ring. Three stolen vehicles were recovered during follow-up investigations, and efforts are underway to capture their alleged buyer, Jamilu Zurmi of Zamfara State.

Another breakthrough occurred on July 4 when five armed robbery suspects were arrested for a violent home invasion in Ungwan Sanusi. The gang reportedly stole a Toyota Corolla and valuables. Investigators believe the vehicle was en route to Maradi, Niger Republic, for delivery to a suspected black-market dealer, Alhaji Garba Yaro, who is currently at large.

The crackdown also extended to suspected kidnappers. On July 7, anti-kidnapping units arrested three men — Rabilu Lawal, Sirajo Shuaibu, and Shehu Sarki — in Nasarawan Doya village, Makarfi LGA. The suspects were caught with locally made guns and cartridges and have been linked to the abduction of a resident’s wife.

Further intensifying efforts, police raided an illegal arms manufacturing site in Giroji village on July 11. Four suspects were arrested, and officers recovered three fabricated rifles, incomplete weapon parts, ammunition, and welding equipment.

Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad commended the officers involved and urged the public to “stay alert and support the police with reliable information.”