The Kaduna State Police Command has dismantled multiple criminal syndicates operating across the state, arresting a notorious armed robbery kingpin, his gang members and several phone-snatching suspects.

The police also recovered firearms, live ammunition and dozens of stolen mobile phones during the coordinated operations.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He explained that the arrests were made between September 10 and 18, 2025, through intelligence-led raids by Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team and divisional patrol units.

According to the statement, operatives on September 11 arrested one Fahad Babangida, identified as a notorious gang leader known for armed robbery, shop breaking and vehicle snatching.

He was apprehended alongside his accomplices, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim, while allegedly planning to attack a retired NNPC staff.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their crimes and led operatives to another syndicate under the same gang leader. The second group, comprising of Isah Musa and Usman Abdullahi, confessed to burgling shops and snatching properties within the Rigasa axis of Kaduna metropolis,” the PPRO stated.

The suspects also named their receivers, including Kabiru Sabitu, a.k.a. Baban Godiya, Abdullahi Shehu and Yusuf Saleh, all of whom have been arrested and confessed to aiding the disposal of stolen goods.

In a related development, police operatives on September 10 also arrested a suspected phone snatcher, identified as Abubakar Usman Bello.

Upon interrogation, he revealed the identities of his receivers, leading to more arrests. Items recovered included an Echimens laptop and 45 stolen handsets.

The command also recorded another success on September 15 when a patrol team from Kabala West Division intercepted two suspects, Ibrahim Hassan (19) and Usman Abubakar (21), along the Unguwar Mu’azu Bypass Expressway.

A search uncovered a 9mm pistol loaded with three live rounds, linking them to a notorious gang terrorizing the area.

On September 18, police arrested one Simon Haruna of Plateau State for unlawful possession of a firearm. He was intercepted while negotiating the sale of a Beretta pistol during a monitored telephone conversation.

A Made-in-USA Beretta pistol with three live rounds was recovered from him, with investigations confirming his activities as a gunrunner operating between Plateau and Kaduna States.

Commending the operatives, Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, assured that the command remains committed to ridding Kaduna of criminal networks.

“Our operatives have demonstrated professionalism and resilience in these operations. We will not relent until every criminal element is rooted out. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information,” he said. (Weekend Trust)