Kaduna Police arrest 10 suspected bandits, recover 8 firearms 

The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, with the arrest of 10 suspected armed bandits and the recovery of eight locally fabricated firearms in coordinated operations across Ikara, Kubau and adjoining communities.

The Command said the operations were intelligence-driven and targeted at dismantling illegal arms supply networks fueling banditry and other violent crimes across the state.

A statement issued and signed on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, confirmed the arrests and recoveries.

According to the statement, in one of the operations, a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms and ammunition transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to arrest five suspects: Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa.

It added that four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two locally made pistols were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The statement further revealed that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of firearms to armed criminal groups operating within Ikara and neighbouring communities.

It noted that the suspects also confessed to supplying weapons to previously arrested suspects identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato, and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara.

It added that efforts were ongoing to unravel the full extent of the arms trafficking network, track additional collaborators, and ensure all those connected are brought to justice.

In a separate operation on May 5, 2026, at about 8:00pm, the statement said operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Yunusa Yahaya (40) and Mustapha Yahaya (30), both of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area. One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm ammunition were recovered from them.

Similarly, it stated that on the same day, detectives stormed the residence of Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village in Ikara LGA, where another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered. The suspect was not found during the raid and has since been declared wanted.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication and supply of firearms to criminal elements to desist from such acts, stressing that the Command remains resolute in sustaining pressure on criminal networks across the State”.

He assured residents that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue intelligence-led operations aimed at denying armed groups freedom of action and strengthening public safety across Kaduna State.