Kehinde Fajobi
Kaduna State Police operatives have arrested two notorious gunrunners in Zaria, the state’s police command confirmed on Friday.
The suspects, Zubairu Musa and Nasiru Saidu, both natives of Kankara in Katsina State, were apprehended on Thursday, December 5, 2024, during a routine vehicular patrol along the Zaria-Jos Road.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan stated that the two men were found in possession of a bag containing eight locally-made pump-action guns, one locally-made pistol, and 65 live cartridges.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects’ involvement in illegal firearms trafficking.
Hassan added that the suspects are cooperating with police officers to assist in the identification and arrest of their accomplices, as well as to uncover the full extent of the gunrunning network operating within Kaduna State.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, praised the officers for their prompt action.
He reiterated the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities.
Kaduna has been severely affected by insecurity, particularly from banditry. Armed groups continue to terrorise residents, carrying out kidnappings, raids, and destruction of property.
The Nigerian military has recently launched operations targeting bandits in the region, resulting in the deaths of several high-profile criminals, including bandit leader Halilu Sububu.