The Kaduna State Police Command has achieved a series of major breakthroughs over the last two weeks, successfully dislodging several bandit hideouts and cutting off vital supply lines for illegal arms and narcotics.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, shared the details of these hard-won victories during a press briefing on Monday, describing a relentless campaign to reclaim safety across the state. The operations didn’t just target the bandits themselves, but also the gunrunners and drug suppliers who fuel their violence.
The recent successes are the result of precision, intelligence-led raids across the Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas. These “clearance operations” forced criminals out of their camps, with several suspects neutralized during intense gun battles while others fled into the wilderness with injuries.
Beyond the front lines, the Command has been busy dismantling the infrastructure of crime, apprehending informants and drug traffickers linked to these networks. The sheer volume of recovered weaponry tells the story of the danger removed from the community: three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, a sub-machine gun, and multiple pistols, alongside significant quantities of illicit drugs.
Among the most significant arrests was a major breakthrough in the battle against illegal arms manufacturing.
”On Feb. 20 at about 9 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence, arrested one suspect of Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.
”The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines and a pair of black Wellco boots.
”In connection with the crime, another suspect of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also arrested.
”Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fueling criminal activities within and beyond the state,” Muhammad said.
The investigation continues as police work to map out the entire distribution network of this syndicate. Earlier, on February 17, officers also intercepted a dangerous transaction in Kasuwan Magani, arresting three suspects and recovering more fabricated rifles.
Commissioner Muhammad emphasized that these operations are part of a broader commitment to proactive policing—aiming to stop the violence before it starts by drying up the supply of illegal guns. He made it clear that the pressure on criminal networks will not let up.
”We will continue to strengthen community partnership, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality,” he said.
Concluding the briefing, the Commissioner extended his gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kaduna State government for their unwavering support. He also praised the bravery of his officers and the vital role played by ordinary citizens who provided the tips that made these operations possible.
”Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secure for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.