BTvNEWS

CP Rabiu Muhammad hails operatives’ gallantry, vows sustained crackdown on criminal networks across Kaduna State

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against criminality, neutralising notorious kidnappers, arresting suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, counterfeit currency dealers, vehicle theft syndicates and drug traffickers, while recovering stolen property worth about ₦78 million, firearms, counterfeit foreign currency, vehicles and hundreds of rustled livestock during a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, psc, mni, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna.

He commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, resilience and commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating members of the media for their continued partnership in keeping the public informed about the Command’s security achievements.

According to the Police Commissioner, within the two-week period under review, the Command neutralised notorious kidnappers, arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, apprehended six suspects linked to the possession of 170 counterfeit United States dollar notes, arrested three suspected gunrunners, recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters valued at approximately ₦69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth about ₦9 million, one stolen Toyota Sienna, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, and successfully recovered 410 cattle during various coordinated operations.

One of the major operations led to the dismantling of a counterfeit currency syndicate after police operatives arrested Aisha Barau, 20, of Ramin Kura Village, on July 21, 2026, while attempting to exchange suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes for Nigerian currency.

Her confession led investigators to the arrest of Abdullahi Muhammad, Danbala Jibrin, and several other members of the criminal network. The Police said the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

In another intelligence-driven operation, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit tracked a notorious gunrunning syndicate to Jos, Plateau State, where they arrested Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha.

The suspects were found with two locally fabricated pistols and reportedly confessed to supplying firearms and ammunition to bandits operating within the region. Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.

The Command also recorded a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping with the arrest of Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala,” following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The suspect allegedly confessed to masterminding several kidnapping operations in Kuzuntu Village, Ikara Local Government Area, and parts of Kano State.

He also admitted participating in the killing of two members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilance group during an attack last year. An AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Police detectives also foiled a vehicle theft syndicate after a Toyota Sienna stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, was traced to Zaria. The operation resulted in the arrest of Mohammed Shehu, who was found in possession of the stolen vehicle.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Zakari Abubakar, allegedly responsible for fabricating duplicate vehicle keys used by criminal gangs to steal vehicles. The Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

In a separate operation, police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call over a cattle rustling attack in Damanko Village, Zaria Local Government Area, where armed bandits had rustled livestock. A fierce gun battle forced the criminals to abandon the animals and flee into nearby bushes, leading to the successful recovery of 80 cattle and 10 sheep.

Although two livestock owners sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, they were promptly evacuated to hospital and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The Command also recovered 190 solar inverters valued at about ₦69 million and 10 lithium batteries estimated at ₦9 million after discovering a warehouse in Zaria believed to be linked to stolen goods diverted from a container in transit.

Similarly, on July 31, police operatives arrested Alex Odoh and Daniel Eze for allegedly supplying hard drugs to bandits operating around Kasuwar Magani, recovering a large quantity of illicit substances worth millions of naira during the operation.

Reaffirming the Command’s determination to sustain the fight against crime, CP Rabiu Muhammad assured residents that the Kaduna State Police Command would continue working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains indispensable to achieving lasting peace, security and stability throughout Kaduna State.