The Kaduna State Police Command has smashed armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate, and recovered rustled cows.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan on Tuesday, the police arrested four members of an armed robbery syndicate in Samaru-Zaria, following a tip-off.
Hassan identified the suspects as Abubakar Alkamu, Ahmed Shaibu Lama, Hassan Isah, and Umar Abubakar, who confessed to their involvement in various robbery incidents.
According to him, a dagger was recovered from Hassan Isah’s residence, which was used in their criminal activities.
In another operation, the police spokesman said operatives arrested two suspected kidnappers, Abubakar Ahmadu and Shehu SNU, in Jere.
He said the duo confessed to being members of a notorious bandit gang terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna axis, saying that three mobile phones and the sum of ₦158,600 were recovered from the suspects.
Similarly, he said, operatives responded to a distress call about an armed invasion in Dandako Village, where about 50 cows were rustled.
According to Hassan, the police pursued the suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire, and the suspects abandoned the stolen cattle and fled.
He said, “On 19th January 2025, at about 0630 hours, acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of a notorious armed robbery syndicate, a team of detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Samaru-Zaria, launched an operation in Zango and Hayin Jarumai areas of Samaru-Zaria..
“Four suspects, identified as Abubakar Alkamu (Male, 29 years old), Ahmed Shaibu Lama (Male, 24 years old), Hassan Isah (Male, 25 years old), Umar Abubakar (Male, 25 years old) were arrested. During a search in the residence of the third suspect, Hassan Isah, officers recovered a dagger, which is used in carrying out the criminal activities of the syndicate.
“All four suspects confessed to their involvement in various robbery incidents, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend other members of the gang and its leaders who are in possession of the Arms of the group, they are still at large.
“In the same vein, on 19th January 2025, at about 2200hrs acting on credible intelligence, a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jere conducted a coordinated operation in Jere.
“This operation led to the successful arrest of two suspected Kidnappers, identified as Abubakar Ahmadu ‘M’a native of Mayo Belwa and Shehu SNU ‘M. from Tango all in Adamawa state. The Command is still on trail of other gang members.
“During the operation, three mobile phones and the sum of one hundred and fifty-eight thousand six hundred naira (₦158,600) were recovered from the suspects as exhibits. Upon interrogation, both suspects confessed to being members of a notorious bandit gang responsible for terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna axis.
“Also, on 20th January 2025 at about 0230 hours, a distress call, intercepted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Hunkuyi Division, reported that an unspecified number of armed men had invaded a residence in Dandako Village and rustled about fifty cows.”
He quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad to have commended “the officers for their bravery, courage and the use of intelligence led policing in executing the operations.”
“The Commissioner stressed further that the command will Continue to synergies with the military, other security agencies and the communities to achieve its desired objectives.
“He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating crime across the state,” Hassan added.