The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 523 suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, phone snatching, car theft, and rape.
The arrests were announced by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, during a briefing on Monday.
“Since my assumption of duty as the 44th Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State on 21st October 2024, I have prioritised proactive policing, community engagement, and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kaduna State,” Abdullahi stated.
Among the suspects are 26 kidnappers, 12 cattle rustlers, 97 phone snatchers, 17 car snatchers, and 10 rape suspects. The arrests are part of efforts to curb criminal activities across the state, especially during the ember months.
“As we embark on the ember months, efforts have been intensified to tackle crime across the state. Black spots known for criminal activities were raided, leading to the arrest of over 350 suspects. Among those apprehended are suspects involved in phone snatching and Sara Suka, demonstrating a firm commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime during this critical period,” he added.
The Commissioner also shared the results of police operations, which included the recovery of arms and stolen items: “The Command has recovered five AK-47 rifles, two pistols, one submachine gun, 283 rustled cows, 20 sheep, and 105 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, 102 kidnap victims were rescued.”
He recalled a recent operation in Giwa Local Government Area, where police successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt on farmers. “On 24th November 2024, police operatives engaged armed bandits attempting to kidnap farmers in Idasu Village, Kidandan, in Giwa LGA. The firepower of the joint police teams forced the bandits to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. Eighty-nine kidnapped victims were rescued, and a fabricated AK-47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition was recovered. One officer sustained a gunshot wound and is currently receiving medical treatment,” Abdullahi explained.
He also highlighted a case of armed robbery, where a victim lost his motorcycle valued at N450,000. “On 10th November 2024, one Isah Musa was attacked and robbed of his motorcycle by a suspect armed with a machete. The suspect, who claimed to be a dismissed soldier, was arrested, and the case is under investigation,” he said.
Abdullahi expressed satisfaction with the progress made, attributing the achievements to the dedication of his officers and strategic measures. “The strategies we have implemented have resulted in significant operational successes, with the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our officers and men,” he concluded.
The Kaduna State Police Command has pledged to sustain its efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents.
