Police authorities in Kaduna State have arrested two individuals suspected of supplying weapons to bandits operating in the Zaria area.
The suspects, Abdulaziz Habibu and Nuhu Thomas, both residents of Dogon Dawa in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, were taken into custody on August 14, 2024, by operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
A statement by the spokesman of Kaduna Police command, Mansur Hassan, said that the arrests occurred around 6pm in Madaci village, Zaria.
The suspects were found in possession of a fabricated AK-47 rifle, which they allegedly intended to sell to bandits in the region.
“On August 14, at about 1800 hours, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully intercepted two male suspects in possession of a fabricated AK-47 rifle at Madaci village, Zaria,” the statement reads.
During their interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the illicit trade of arms, providing crucial information that is aiding the police in identifying and apprehending their accomplices.
Also, in a separate incident on August 18, the Police Mobile Force (PMF) stationed in Kuriga thwarted an attempted abduction on the outskirts of Kuriga village. The police reported that two armed men on motorcycles attempted to kidnap two farmers. However, the swift response of the officers led to a brief exchange of gunfire, forcing the assailants to flee and abandon their captives.
The farmers, who sustained head injuries during the assault, were treated at the Kuriga Primary Health Care Centre and have since been discharged.
“Upon arrival, they encountered two armed men on motorcycles attempting to abduct two farmers. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the bandits to flee and abandon their captives,” the statement added.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, praised the efforts of the officers involved in these operations and encouraged the public to continue providing valuable information that can help in maintaining security across the state.
These recent actions by the Kaduna State Police Command underscore the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and protect the lives and property of residents in the region.
The arrests and thwarted abduction highlight the importance of community cooperation and timely intelligence in the fight against criminal activities.
