The Kaduna State Police Command says it has arrested 41 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent crime suspects, rescued seven abducted victims and recovered weapons during a series of operations carried out across the state in March and April 2026.
Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Kaduna, saying the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and collaboration with local security partners.
Muhammad said items recovered during the operations included 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition and 50 rustled cows. He said the successes reflected the command’s renewed commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in communities affected by kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling.
“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all residents,” he said.
One of the major breakthroughs, according to the commissioner, was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner, Samaila Ilyasu, in Kagarko Local Government Area, where police recovered 20 locally fabricated Dane guns.
He said operatives also arrested suspected kidnappers and informants in Makarfi, Kachia, Giwa and Kauru LGAs, while two suspects linked to a kidnapping syndicate in Kubau LGA were apprehended in a joint operation with the Civilian Joint Task Force.
In a separate operation, detectives intercepted 200 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn and arrested two suspects from Zamfara State. Muhammad said investigations were ongoing to identify the wider supply network.
The command also arrested a suspected drug dealer and gang member known as “Shanuna,” who was accused of terrorising residents of Rigasa in Kaduna metropolis.
On cattle rustling, Muhammad said two suspects were arrested over the theft of 20 cows in Soba and Giwa LGAs, while other operations led to arrests linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and motorcycle snatching. A stolen TVS motorcycle was also recovered.
The commissioner attributed the successes to the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and the support of Governor Uba Sani.
He urged residents to continue providing credible information, assuring that the command would sustain operations until criminal gangs operating in the state are dismantled.
