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The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected armed bandits and recovered eight firearms in separate operations across different parts of the state, as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and the illegal circulation of arms.
The command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said part of the breakthrough came after a case involving criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms was transferred from Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.
He explained that detectives, during the investigation, arrested five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa.
According to him, four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
“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 said.
The police added that the suspects also confessed to supplying weapons to other previously arrested individuals, including Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.
The command said investigations were still ongoing to track down other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
In a separate operation on May 5, 2026, at about 8 pm, police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, in Kubau Local Government Area.
They were allegedly found with a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition.
In another raid, police also searched the residence of one Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village in Ikara LGA, who is currently on the run. A fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from his home.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned those involved in illegal possession, fabrication, and supply of firearms to criminal groups to desist or face prosecution.
Police arrest 10 suspected bandits in Kaduna, uncover illegal arms network
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