The Kaduna State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes over the last two weeks, including the dislodgement of bandit camps.
The state commissioner of police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.
Mr Muhammad said the command also arrested some suspected gunrunners and recovered several illegal arms and drugs across the state.
He said the achievements followed intelligence-led clearance operations conducted within the Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru local government areas.
He disclosed that several bandits’ camps were dislodged during the operations, with some suspects neutralised during exchanges of fire, while others escaped with injuries.
The commissioner added that suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.
According to him, items recovered during the operations include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one submachine gun (SMG) rifle, two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, and large quantities of hard drugs.
He said the command also arrested five suspected notorious gunrunners.
”On February 20 at about 9:00 p.m., operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit, acting on intelligence, arrested one suspect of Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.
”The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines, and a pair of black Wellco boots.
”In connection with the crime, another suspect from Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fuelling criminal activities within and beyond the state,” he said.
The commissioner also said the investigation was ongoing to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.
Mr Muhammad further stated that on February 17, operatives intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani following intelligence on an illegal arms transaction.
He said two of the suspects hail from Iburu, while the third is from Kasuwan Magani.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun.
He said the achievements underscored the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting the supply chain of illegal arms fuelling banditry and violent crimes.
The CP reiterated that the command would not relent in dismantling criminal networks across the state.
”We will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering, and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to the inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, for leadership and support.
He also appreciated the Kaduna State government for its logistics support and commended the officers and men of the command for their courage and professionalism.
Mr Muhammad further appreciated members of the public for providing credible information to security agencies.
”Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” he added.
(NAN)