Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a suspected gun runner and three suspected members of an armed bandit gang, while recovering firearms, ammunition, suspected cannabis and other exhibits in separate operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during a press briefing in Kaduna, saying the achievements were recorded through intelligence-led policing, strategic operations and collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public.
He said on August 25, operatives of the Sabon Gari Division arrested a 39-year-old man identified as Kenneth, a native of Delta State, at Yan’Karfe Motor Park, Zaria, after he was seen behaving suspiciously while struggling with a sack containing potatoes. A search of the sack allegedly led to the recovery of two AK-49 rifles, 228 rounds of RPG ammunition, 275 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, five AK-47 magazines and suspected hard drugs.
CP Muhammad said the command also arrested three suspected members of an armed bandit gang along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on August 24, following credible intelligence. The suspects were identified as Ibrahim Muhammad, alias “Alti”, 25; Usman Tukur, alias “Mallam”, 27; and Hassan Alhaji Salisu, alias “Tagwaye”, 23.
According to him, the suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of an armed bandit gang operating around Millennium City and other parts of Kaduna State. He added that investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court after its conclusion.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of a suspected criminal, Gideon Martins, at Sabon Tasha on July 22. He said a search led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel gun, handcuff, live 9mm ammunition, two cartridges, a POS machine, drilling machine and security uniforms.
He also said police operatives intercepted a motorcyclist along Kachia Road on August 25 and recovered 134 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition concealed in a sack. The suspect allegedly told investigators that he was sent by a notorious armed bandit known as “Yellow Mai-million” to collect and transport the ammunition.
CP Muhammad said eleven sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be cannabis were also recovered along the Zaria-Kano Expressway on August 15 after the occupants of an unregistered Volkswagen Golf station wagon fled on sighting police operatives. He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He disclosed that three suspects were arrested in connection with alleged armed robbery and rape incidents around Rafin Tukurwa, behind Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, following a joint operation involving the police, ABU Security and the Civilian Joint Task Force. The suspects allegedly confessed to multiple attacks in Gidan Kira, Magata and Gidan Maranta villages, where victims were reportedly robbed and sexually assaulted.
The Commissioner said police also arrested suspects linked to an attempted phone theft in Idon-Gida, Kajuru, recovered a pistol and apprehended two persons over the alleged vandalisation of a transformer at the Infectious Disease Centre, Mando. He condemned attacks on critical public infrastructure, describing such acts as serious sabotage capable of endangering public health and safety.
CP Muhammad added that the command recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux belonging to the Kaduna State Water Board after detectives tracked the vehicle to Kano State, where the suspects abandoned it and escaped.
He assured residents that the command would intensify intelligence gathering, patrols and targeted operations against banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft and other crimes.
The Commissioner commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and Governor Uba Sani for their support to the command.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the police, while urging the judiciary to allow the police to continue parading suspects arrested in connection with crimes, saying public awareness of arrests and recovered exhibits could strengthen crime prevention.
