The Kaduna State Police Command has dismantled several criminal syndicates across the state, arresting a notorious gang leader and his accomplices involved in armed robbery, shop breaking, vehicle theft, and phone snatching.
The breakthrough was announced in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, who said the arrests were made during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between September 10 and 18, 2025.
The operations were carried out by the Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team in collaboration with divisional patrol units.
“Operatives on September 11 arrested one Fahad Babangida, identified as a notorious gang leader known for armed robbery, shop breaking and vehicle snatching,” the statement said.
Babangida was arrested alongside two alleged accomplices, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim, while they were reportedly plotting an attack on a retired staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in multiple criminal activities and led investigators to another arm of the syndicate operating under Babangida’s leadership.
This second group, made up of Isah Musa and Usman Abdullahi, admitted to breaking into shops and snatching valuables, particularly within the Rigasa area of Kaduna metropolis.
Further investigations led to the arrest of three alleged receivers of stolen goods — Kabiru Sabitu, popularly known as Baban Godiya, Abdullahi Shehu, and Yusuf Saleh. According to the suspects, the trio played key roles in helping to dispose of stolen items.
Police also recovered firearms, live ammunition, and dozens of stolen mobile phones during the coordinated raids.
The Command has assured residents that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements will continue, with more operations planned in hotspot areas.
