By Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt in Makarfi Local Government Area, arrested two suspected arms dealers, and recovered three locally made firearms and 300 rounds of live ammunition in separate operations across the state.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, PSC, MNI.
According to DSP Hassan, on September 20, 2026, at about 0115 hours, the command received a distress call that armed bandits had attacked a resident in Gimi Ward, Makarfi LGA.
He said operatives from Makarfi Division, supported by local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized to the scene, engaged the bandits in a gun duel, and eventually overpowered the attackers with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee into the bush.
One suspect, Usman Alhaji Dahiru, a 20-year-old male and native of the area, was wounded and eventually arrested, the PPRO stated.
He added that items recovered from the suspect included one locally made rifle with three live cartridges, one locally made pistol with one live round, and a bag containing charms.
He noted that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a related development, DSP Hassan said that on September 21, 2026, at about 2200 hours, the police received credible intelligence that one Jude Magaji ‘M’ of Ungwan Asibiti had a locally fabricated pistol and was moving around the community, intimidating residents with the firearm with the intent to commit an offense.
Operatives of the Gwantu Division immediately swung into action, tracked and arrested the suspect, and recovered the firearm from his possession.
The PPRO said the suspect is in police custody. At the same time, further investigation is ongoing to establish how he came into possession of the firearm and determine whether the weapon has been used in the commission of any criminal activity.
Similarly, on September 22, 2026, at about 1700 hours, the command received credible intelligence from a reliable source concerning the activities of a suspected syndicate involved in the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition around the Giwa Local Government Area and the Railway Station axis of Kaduna State.
Upon receiving the information, detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately swung into action, commenced surveillance, and successfully tracked and arrested two suspects identified as Rayyanu Adamu and Nasiru Abubakar.
DSP Hassan said a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of 270 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 30 live rounds of Type 06 ammunition, making a total of 300 rounds of live ammunition recovered.
He said the suspects are currently in police custody. At the same time, further investigation is ongoing to establish the source and intended destination of the ammunition and to identify other persons connected to the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commended the police operatives and vigilantes for their prompt response and bravery, assuring the people of Kaduna State that the command will continue to sustain its onslaught against criminal elements.
He directed that the operation be intensified to bring all fleeing suspects to justice and admonished members of the public to provide credible information to the police to achieve more success, according to DSP Mansir Hassan.
