By Bashir Bello, Abuja
The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the last two weeks, with the arrest of 16 suspected kidnappers, neutralisation of notorious bandits, and recovery of stolen property worth millions of naira across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Monday, 4th August 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, psc, mni, said the operations were part of the Command’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks threatening peace in Kaduna.
CP Muhammad revealed that within the period under review, police operatives recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters valued at ₦69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth ₦9 million, 410 cattle, 32 stolen phones, 2 plasma televisions, 1 stolen vehicle, and 83 parcels of hard drugs.
He highlighted several cases, including the arrest on 21st July of Aisha Barau, 20, of Ramin Kura Village with suspected counterfeit US dollar notes. Her confession led to the arrest of Abdullahi Muhammad, 55 and Danbala Jibrin, 57, who allegedly supplied the fake currency.
On 25th July, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested 3 suspected gunrunners Luka Samuel, 38; John Paul, 37; and Musa Elisha, 28 in Jos, Plateau State. Two locally fabricated pistols were recovered. The suspects confessed to supplying arms to bandits.
In another operation on 24th July in Kargi Village, a joint team of police and Yan Sa Kai arrested Abdullahi Mohammed alias “Aala”, 34, a suspected mastermind of kidnappings in Kuzuntu, Ikara LGA. He confessed to involvement in the killing of 2 Yan Sa Kai members last year. One AK-47 rifle and 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
The Command also recovered a Toyota Sienna stolen from a mosque in Ungwan Rimi after arresting Mohammed Shehu in Zaria. His confession led to Zakari Abubakar, a specialist in fabricating duplicate car keys.
On 26th July, police in Zaria foiled a cattle rustling attack in Damanko Village, recovering 80 cattle and 10 sheep after a gun duel. Two victims injured by the attackers are receiving treatment.
On 28th July, operatives uncovered a store in Zaria containing stolen solar equipment worth ₦78 million, suspected to have been diverted in transit.
Finally, on 31st July, Alex Odoh, 36 and Daniel Eze, 35 were arrested in Kasuwar Magani for allegedly supplying hard drugs to bandits.
CP Rabiu Muhammad commended officers for their gallantry and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to “relentlessly pursuing criminal elements” and urged residents to provide timely intelligence.
“The Kaduna State Police Command is working assiduously to ensure the state is safer for all citizens. We are collaborating with the military, DSS, NSCDC, vigilantes and other security agencies,” he said.
He assured that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
