In a significant triumph for the Kaduna State security architecture, operatives of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) have successfully dismantled a notorious seven-man syndicate of suspected armed bandits.

This was contained in a statement issued by a senior staff member of the service, Lawal Abdullahi, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The statement said, “The operation, executed under the strategic leadership of the Commander KADVS, CP Ali Audu Dabigi psc+ (rtd), underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“The gallant KADVS personnel, acting on actionable intelligence and strategic operational planning, laid a well-coordinated ambush along the Ikara to Zuntu corridor a known transit route frequently exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate heinous acts of banditry and kidnapping, particularly on market days.

“The personnel were tactically deployed in the dense bush terrain, awaiting the anticipated movement of the syndicate.

Thus the statement noted that, “in a swift and decisive tactical response, KADVS operatives intercepted an incoming Golf 3 vehicle occupied by the seven-man criminal cell.

“A thorough search of the vehicle and suspects led to the recovery of incriminating exhibits, including one locally fabricated firearm, the operational Golf 3 vehicle, the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N350,750.00) suspected to be proceeds of crime, six mobile phones, assorted charms, and iron rods used in the commission of their nefarious activities.

The apprehended suspects, who have been identified as: Bello Tarmo (29 yrs), Umar (surname unknown) (33 yrs), Alhassan Shedi (20 yrs), Tukur (Driver) (47 yrs), Iliya (surname unknown) (30 yrs), Ibrahim (surname unknown) (25 yrs), and Saleh Haruna (25 yrs).

“All male, with various addresses spanning Ikara, Zuntu, Kargi, and Anchau LGA, are currently in custody. In a related development, one Dini Kano ‘M’ of Kano State was also arrested for the theft of metals at a mining site in the Kubau mine area.

“The case, alongside the suspects and recovered exhibits, has been formally transferred to the Kaduna State Anti-Kidnapping Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kaduna, for comprehensive investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“The KADVS has intensified its manhunt for armed bandits and kidnappers operating within the state, reinforcing the kinetic and non-kinetic pillars of the Governor’s security agenda. This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based intelligence and inter-agency synergy in the ongoing fight against criminality.

“This feat is a direct testament to the visionary leadership and proactive security investments of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Uba Sani, CON, Governor of Kaduna State. Since assuming office, Governor Sani has prioritized a comprehensive security overhaul, establishing the Kaduna Peace Model, an inclusive framework rooted in dialogue, intelligence-led operations, and community ownership of peace.” (Nigerian Tribune)