The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected armed bandits and recovered several firearms in separate operations across different parts of the state.
The command said the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams aimed at curbing violent crime and illegal arms circulation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, part of the breakthrough came after a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal arms dealing was transferred from Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.
During investigations, five suspects were arrested, identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa.
Police said four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols were recovered from the suspects.
“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 suspects reportedly confessed to supplying weapons to other previously arrested individuals, including Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato, and Hamisu Yalwa, all from Ikara.
The command said investigations are ongoing to track other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
In a separate operation on May 5, 2026, police also arrested two suspects, Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, in Kubau Local Government Area, where they were allegedly found with a fabricated AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
In another raid, officers recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the residence of one Mathew Tanko in Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara LGA, who is currently on the run.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in illegal possession, fabrication, and supply of firearms to criminal groups to desist or face prosecution.
