Kano police nab suspected arms dealer, recover AK-47 rifles

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected arms dealer and recovered three fabricated AK-47 rifles during a sting operation in the Dala Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad under the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit. It took place on Friday at Dandinshe Quarters following intelligence reports on illegal arms activities.

The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect, Umar Danladi Usman, 35, of Kurna Layin Masallacin Juma’a, was intercepted while driving a Honda Accord with tinted glass.

A search conducted on the suspect and the vehicle led to the recovery of three fabricated AK-47 rifles, five live cartridges, one AK-47 empty shell, a suspected fake police identity card, three sharp jackknives, and a pair of desert boots.

Weapons traced to Katsina State

The command said a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly procured the weapons from the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The suspect is currently in custody while a discreet investigation continues to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the supply network.

The Kano State commissioner of police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation.

Bakori said the breakthrough reflected the impact of ongoing police reforms introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at strengthening tactical operations and combating violent crimes across the country.

Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against illegal arms trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.