As part of efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation in the state, the police authority in Kaduna said, its personnel have neutralised several bandits and recovered about 30 firearms during a two-week offensive targeting criminal networks across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, during a press briefing accorded the success to intelligence-led clearance operations conducted in February 2026 which targeted identified bandits’ camps and criminal hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas.

It said during fierce exchanges of fire, some bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with injuries, just as suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.

He explained that the coordinated raids led to the arrest of several suspected bandits and five alleged gunrunners, alongside the recovery of a significant cache of arms.

Recovered exhibits include three English AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one sub-machine gun (SMG), two English pistols and four locally made pistols. A large quantity of hard drugs believed to be linked to criminal activities was also recovered.

In a related development, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on February 20, 2026, arrested a suspected illegal arms fabricator, Adamu Aminu, in Jaji town, Igabi LGA.

The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols and seven English AK-47 magazines.

Another suspect, Abubakar Hassan of Unguwar Rogo, Jos North LGA of Plateau State, was arrested in connection with the case.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, thereby fuelling criminal activities within and beyond Kaduna State,” the commissioner said.