Kaduna Police neutralise bandits, arrest gunrunners in major operations

The Kaduna State Police Command said it has neutralised several suspected bandits and arrested alleged gunrunners during intelligence-led clearance operations conducted in February 2026.

Addressing journalists in Kaduna, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the coordinated operations targeted identified bandits’ camps and criminal hideouts across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas.

According to him, security operatives engaged the suspects in fierce gun battles, leading to the dislodgement of multiple camps. While several suspected bandits were neutralised, others reportedly fled with gunshot injuries. The police also arrested suspected informants and drug suppliers believed to be aiding criminal networks in the affected areas.

Muhammad further disclosed that a number of notorious bandits and five suspected gunrunners were apprehended during the raids. Exhibits recovered include three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one submachine gun, two pistols, four locally made pistols and a significant quantity of hard drugs.

He revealed that on February 17, operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted three suspects — Peter Pama, Saleh Monday and Sunday Makama — at Kasuwan Magani over an alleged illegal arms deal. The suspects were reportedly found with a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

In another operation on February 20 at about 9:00 p.m., detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Adamu Aminu of Jaji Town in Igabi Local Government Area. He was allegedly 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. Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo in Jos North, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Preliminary investigations, the Command said, indicate that the suspects were involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, allegedly fueling criminal activities within and beyond Kaduna State. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing and vowed to rid the state of criminal elements.