The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer who is suspected of providing drugs, weapons, and ammunition to bandits in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, made the announcement of the arrest during the parade of the suspect at the command centre in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The NSCDC officer, known as ACS II Maikano S/Tasha, was allegedly apprehended in possession of an extensive quantity of illegal narcotics, such as cannabis, along with ammunition, including anti-aircraft and AK-47 rounds.
He said Maikano was an ex-convict who was detained two years ago, but was later released.
Dalijan promised that under his supervision, Maikano would not elude justice this time.
“One of the unfortunate incidents we are dealing with is the arrest of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer found in possession of arms and drugs intended for delivery to bandits in the Mada area,” CP Dalijan stated.
“He has been arrested with ammunition and Indian hemp, which he was transporting to the bandits in the bush. He is a collaborator and will be treated as such.”
Two wives of well-known bandit leaders, Bello Kaura and Kachalla Jijji, and a fake doctor were among those detained; they were reportedly on their way to provide the bandits with more weapons when they were arrested.
The fake doctor named Mamuda Sani Makakari who was also apprehended by the command after 441 live rounds of ammunition were discovered in his possession, had been treating bandits without official medical training.
He was captured while transporting live ammunition to be given to robbers in the Anka Local Government Area along with some women and children.
“These women were apprehended while on their way to deliver ammunition to bandits in Anka and Bukkuyum,” said CP Dalijan.
The police commissioner lamented the state’s growing use of women wearing hijabs to transport weapons and ammunition.
“Our main concern now is the involvement of women in hijabs in smuggling weapons to the bandits. We are left with no choice but to search all women travelling in the state, regardless of whether they are wearing a hijab,” he explained.
“We will ensure that women search women, any woman on our roads must undergo thorough checks.”
CP Dalijan further disclosed that the husbands of the ladies in custody had threatened to take revenge on local communities and law enforcement agencies if the women were not freed.
“We are taking measures to protect our personnel and the public from potential attacks. The women will not be released under any circumstances. If they [the bandits] attack, we will respond accordingly,” the commissioner declared.
Two other notable bandits were also taken into custody by the police: Salisu Hegen, a cattle rustler employed by a bandit commander Hassan Na-Bamamu, and Aminu Tsauni, who are known for kidnapping and phone theft.
According to the report, all the suspects have admitted to their crimes, and after the investigations are finished, they will all face charges.
The people of Zamfara were reassured by CP Dalijan that the police force was dedicated to fighting crime and bringing peace while also assuring them that their safety was guaranteed by security operatives.