KADUNA, NIGERIA — Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have intercepted $33,200 in fake United States currency, recovered firearms and stolen vehicles, and arrested several suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state, according to a statement issued by the Command on Friday.
The operations, which were carried out over the past week, targeted criminal networks involved in currency counterfeiting, arms trafficking, and vehicle theft. Police said the fake notes were recovered during a raid on a suspected counterfeiting syndicate operating in the Kaduna metropolis, with the suspects already in custody and assisting with investigations.
The suspects, whose identities were not immediately disclosed, are believed to be part of a larger network involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit currencies across the North-West region. Police said the operation was intelligence-led and that further arrests were expected as investigations progress.
Police also recovered a cache of firearms, including locally made pistols, rifles, and ammunition, from suspects believed to be involved in banditry and other violent crimes. Additionally, several stolen vehicles were recovered during the operations, with police noting that they had been traced to owners through the Command’s vehicle registration database and ongoing collaboration with other security agencies.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies. He also warned criminals to vacate the state or face the full wrath of the law.
The recoveries come amid heightened security concerns in Kaduna State, which has experienced a surge in banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in recent months. The police assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify its operations to rid the state of criminal elements and restore public confidence.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, with police vowing to ensure that they face the full weight of the law. The Command also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
