Armed Security operatives have arrested 10 bandits in Kaduna State, as they also recovered firearms from the kidnappers.

In a statement issued by the Spokesman of the Police in Kaduna, DSP Mansir Hassan on Friday, as the case of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealings in firearms and ammunition was transferred on 1st of May 2026,

Besides, the case of criminal conspiracy and illegal deals in firearms and ammunition was also transferred from Ikara Police Division to the headquarters in Kaduna.

“in the course of further investigation, a team of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swung into action and successfully arrested the following suspects”.

They are Haruna Dauda, Meshack John

Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa.

Subsequently, during the operation, Hassan said, “the detectives recovered

four fabricated AK-47 rifles and

two fabricated pistols from the suspects”.

According to him, “preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in illegal sales of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and its environs”, stressing that “the suspects further confessed to have supplied the weapons to other previously arrested suspects”.

The suspects are Timothy Yohana

Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all of Ikara community.

“Investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate, identify other accomplices, and ensure all those involved are brought to justice”, Hassan said.

He added, “in the same vein, on 5th May, 2026, at about 2000 hours, credible intelligence was received indicating that one Yunusa Yahaya ‘M’, aged 40 years, and Mustapha Yahaya ‘M’, aged 30 years, both of Kuraye Village, Kubau Local Government Area, were in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition.”

Hassan further stressed, “acting swiftly on the information, security operatives tracked and successfully arrested the suspects and the arms were recovered.”

He argued, “similarly, on the same date, another intelligence tip-off led detectives to raid a separate residence belonging to one Mathew Tanko ‘M’ of Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara LGA, who is currently at large”.

He further explained, “during the search operation, another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from the premises. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.”

Meanwhile, Hassan said, “the Commissioner of Police CP RABIU MUHAMMAD warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, fabrication, and supply of firearms to criminal elements to immediately desist from such acts, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, tracking, and prosecuting all those connected to criminal networks across the State.”

The Police Spokesman added, ” the CP further assured residents that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to deny criminals freedom of action and ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.”

Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have rescued a kidnap victim abandoned by suspected terrorists along the Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security consultant and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, quoting security sources on Friday said the rescue operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13 by troops of 12 Brigade during a fighting patrol along the old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi road.

Makama added that the troops discovered the victim after suspected kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from the advancing security personnel.

The rescued victim, according to the security consultant, was subsequently reunited with his family after the operation.

“Security patrols and clearance operations have continued along the route and adjoining communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area,” Makama stated.

(The Guardian)