Police arrest 10 suspected bandits and recover eight firearms in Kaduna

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Kaduna State Police Command has detained ten individuals suspected of being armed bandits and seized eight firearms, including fabricated AK‑47 rifles and pistols, in separate operations conducted across the state.

The arrests were the result of intelligence‑driven operations carried out by the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said a case involving criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms and ammunition was transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on 1 May 2026.

During the investigation, detectives arrested five suspects named Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa.

The operatives recovered four fabricated AK‑47 rifles and two fabricated pistols from the suspects.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in illegal sales of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and its environs,” the statement added.

The police further noted that the suspects admitted to supplying weapons to other previously arrested individuals identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.

Investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the syndicate and to arrest additional accomplices connected to the illegal arms network.

In a separate operation on 5 May 2026 at about 8 pm, police acting on credible intelligence arrested Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, both from Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area.

The suspects were found in possession of a locally fabricated AK‑47 rifle and 7.5 mm AK‑47 ammunition.

In a raid on the residence of Mathew Tanko in Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara LGA, detectives seized another locally fabricated AK‑47 rifle; the suspect remains at large.

Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad warned anyone involved in the illegal possession, fabrication, or supply of firearms to criminal elements to cease such activities or face the full force of the law.

He assured residents that the Command, in partnership with other security agencies, would intensify intelligence‑driven operations to combat criminality and protect lives and property throughout Kaduna State.

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