By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives have detained 182 suspects within Kaduna metropolis, recovered a vehicle, one AK-47 rifle, 31 rounds of ammunition and 30 bags of Indian hemp after various raids.

This is contained in statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

Hassan said: “In its continuous efforts to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements, safeguard lives and properties, the state command has launched an aggressive manhunt and clampdown on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.”

He said that operations were coordinated by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the metropolitan areas, particularly Rigasa, Kawo, Tudun wada, Sabon Tasha and other communities in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police.

According to him, a total number of 183 suspects were detained after the successful raids.

Hassan said, “The crackdown, which is part of ongoing efforts to restore public confidence and enhance internal security, led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and hard drugs.

“As part of these operations, on Friday, police carried out raids in Rigasa, which resulted in the recovery of hard drugs and 30 bags as well as about 1,600 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous weapons.

“On the same day, at about 11:45 p.m., residents of Rafin Guza discovered a bag abandoned during a police hot pursuit of suspected criminals.

“The bag contained an AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 31 rounds of live ammunition.

“Investigations are currently underway to trace the culprits and soon they will be apprehended and brought to justice.”

Hassan also disclosed that on Sunday, at 11:00 a.m, Kakuri Divisional Police operatives, acting on a tip-off, posed as buyers and arrested Ziya Abdullah, who was attempting to sell a vehicle suspected to have been stolen.

According to him, Abdullahi’s arrest led to the arrest of his accomplice, one Bashir Usman, (aka) Yellow.

Hassan said that the suspects confessed to robbing a resident using knives and cutlasses while they snatched a Honda Accord car.

“The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Zaria. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members.

“Some of the suspects have been charged while others are currently undergoing thorough investigation by the Police.

“The remaining suspects found culpable will be arraigned in court soonest in accordance with the law,” Hassan said.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, had reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to combat crimes and urged the residents to continue providing timely and useful information to assist the police in their routine and ad hoc operations.

The commissioner assured the residents that the state would continue to be peaceful. (NAN)