Operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested 143 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in different locations in the state between May and June, 2024.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Dabigi made the disclosure while addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters, Kaduna, on Thursday, where assorted weapons recovered by operatives were displayed.
The arrested suspects, he said, comprises 73 armed robbers as well as 70 bandits including their “wanted” marabout identified as Bello who was nabbed while preparing a charm for some bandits for onward operations.
He added that no fewer than nine bloodthirsty bandits were killed by operatives of the command in the last two months.
Dabigi said weapons recovered from suspects include; five AK47 Rifles, seven (7) locally made arms as well as 1,817 rounds of live ammunition.
Other items recovered, according to him, are eight motor vehicles of different brands, seven motorcycles of different brands and one tricycle and 29 rustled cattle
He added that 985 suspected phone snatchers, eight suspected car thieves as well as a suspected railway vandal, were also arrested in the state in the last two months.
The Commissioner was flanked by the state Commissioner Overseeing the internal Security and Home Affairs Ministry, Samuel Aruwan and other top officials of the command during the media briefings.
Dabigi said, “Now, let us turn our attention to the achievements of the Kaduna State Police Command in the last two (2) month: Seventy-three (73) Armed Robbery suspects were arrested, seventy (70) Kidnapping suspects were arrested and nine (9) Bandits were neutralised.
“Nine Hundred and Eighty-five (985) suspected phone snatchers were arrested.
“Five (5) AK47 Rifles were recovered.Seven (7) locally made Arms were recovered and One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventeen (1,817) rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
“Eight motor vehicles of different brands were recovered and eight suspects arrested in connection with Car-theft.
“Seven (7) Motorcycles of different brands were recovered; One (1) Tricycle was recovered; one suspected Railway vandal was arrested while 29 rustled cattle were recovered.
“On 20th June, 2024 at about 1400hrs, the Operation Yaki Tracking and Response Team acted promptly on intelligence. The team tracked and arrested the most wanted spiritual leader, identified as one Mallam Ali Bello ‘m’ 47 years old in his shrine located around Kidandan Forest. The team also arrested a confessed kidnapper, one Usman Ibrahim, 35 years old who was seeking spiritual assistance.”
The police boss noted that the modest achievements were as result of the hard work and dedication of operatives of the command towards ensuring a crime-free state.
This was as he thanked the state governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his continuous support and commitment to enhancing the security of the State, noting that his collaboration with the police had been key to the command’s efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
“These achievements are part of the testament to the hard work and dedication of the Officers and men of the Kaduna State Police Command. We remain committed to serving and protecting the people of Kaduna State with integrity and professionalism.
“Our achievements would not have been possible without the cooperation of our Sister Security Agencies. Their dedication and teamwork have been crucial in our joint operations and successes.
“I express my appreciation to the traditional institutions and stakeholders of Kaduna State. Your wisdom, guidance, and community engagement have played a significant role in our efforts to ensure security and stability,” the Commissioner added.