The Kaduna State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in intelligence-led operations carried out across the state in the last two weeks.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, said notorious kidnappers were neutralised while 16 suspected kidnappers and 3 suspected gunrunners were arrested. The command also recovered property worth over ₦78 million and 410 rustled cattle.

Major recoveries within 2 weeks:

1. Thefts & rustling

 – 190 stolen solar inverters worth ₦69 million

 – 10 lithium batteries worth ₦9 million

 – 410 rustled cattle

 – 1 stolen Toyota Sienna, 32 stolen mobile phones, 2 plasma television sets

2. Arms & drugs

 – 10 firearms of different calibres

 – 83 packs of hard drugs

 – 170 counterfeit US dollar notes

1. Counterfeit dollar syndicate

CP Muhammad said a major breakthrough came with the arrest of 20-year-old Aisha Barau in Ramin Kura Village while allegedly attempting to exchange fake US dollar notes for naira.

During interrogation, she confessed the currency was supplied by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin, leading to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of several other members of the syndicate. They will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the CP said.

2. Gunrunners arrested in Jos

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested 3 suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State.

The suspects were identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha. They were found with 2 locally fabricated pistols and confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits operating in different parts of the North.

3. Notorious kidnap kingpin nabbed

In another operation with members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group after months of surveillance, police arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala” at Kargi Village in Ikara LGA.

The suspect confessed to masterminding several kidnapping operations in Kuzuntu Village and other parts of Kano State.

CP’s statement:

CP Rabiu Muhammad said the operations underscore the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks threatening the peace and security of Kaduna State.

He commended the professionalism of officers and the support of vigilante groups and members of the public, adding that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members.

The CP urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Source: Kaduna State Police Command, Punch Newspapers, Vanguard