The Kaduna State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt in Makarfi Local Government Area, arrested three suspects in separate operations and recovered three locally made firearms, as well as 300 rounds of live ammunition.
The command said the first incident occurred at about 1:15 am on September 20, when armed bandits attacked a resident in Gimi Ward, Makarfi LGA.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, operatives from Makarfi Division, supported by local vigilantes, responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
“The operatives eventually overpowered the attackers with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee into the bush,” the statement said.
One of the suspects, identified as 20-year-old Usman Alhaji Dahiru, a resident of the area, was wounded and arrested.
Police said they recovered one locally made rifle with three live cartridges, one locally made pistol with one live round and a bag containing charms from him. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation on September 21, police arrested Jude Magaji of Ungwan Asibiti after receiving intelligence that he was allegedly carrying a locally fabricated pistol and intimidating residents.
The command said officers attached to Gwantu Division tracked and arrested Magaji and recovered the firearm from him.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, while further investigation is ongoing to establish how he came into possession of the firearm and determine whether the weapon has been used in the commission of any criminal activity,” the statement said.
Police also reported the arrest of two suspected arms traffickers, Rayyanu Adamu and Nasiru Abubakar, following an intelligence-led operation around Giwa Local Government Area and the railway station axis.
According to the command, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted surveillance before arresting the suspects on September 22.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of 270 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 30 rounds of Type 06 ammunition, bringing the total to 300 rounds.
The police said the suspects remained in custody as investigators worked to establish the source and intended destination of the ammunition and identify other persons allegedly linked to the suspected syndicate.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commended the officers and vigilantes for their response and bravery.
“The Command will continue to sustain the onslaught against criminal elements,” he said, while directing that operations be intensified to apprehend all fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police also urged residents to provide credible information to the police to support efforts to tackle crime across the state.
Kaduna police recover 300 rounds of ammunition, three locally made guns