The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six individuals suspected of kidnapping and arms trafficking during a series of operations carried out across various local government areas in the state.
During the operations, officers recovered four locally-made AK-47 rifles.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, the arrests took place in Kagarko, Lere, Ikara, Tafa, and Kauru LGAs, targeting suspects allegedly involved in recent kidnapping cases and the possession of illegal weapons.
One of the suspects, 30-year-old Isa Ibrahim, was captured on April 17 in Gida Abe, where he had been hiding.
Hassan noted that “during interrogation, Ibrahim confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang operating in Kwara State before relocating to Kaduna to establish a new outfit after his associates were arrested elsewhere.”
On the same day, police operatives arrested two other suspects, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, in Lamido village, Lere LGA.
The police spokesperson said the duo admitted to their involvement in several kidnappings in the area, further highlighting the persistent threat of organized criminal groups.
He stated, “They reportedly confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents within the area, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by organized criminal groups.”
The police extended their operation into April 18 with more arrests and weapons recovery. In Ikara, two men, Bajo from Vom Quarters in Jos, Plateau State, and Magaji Abdullahi from Bebeji LGA, Kano State, were apprehended. Both were reportedly found with two locally-manufactured AK-47 rifles.
Additionally, officers on patrol along the Kauru-Pambegua Road intercepted another group suspected of arms trafficking.
“Police intercepted another group of suspected gunrunners, seizing two additional locally-fabricated rifles concealed within sacks,” Hassan revealed.
All suspects are currently being held in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The authorities have emphasized their resolve to apprehend remaining accomplices as part of the state’s broadened clampdown on violent crimes and the illegal arms trade.
Hassan affirmed that these successful police actions reinforce their dedication to maintaining public safety and send a clear message to criminal networks across Kaduna.
