The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected bandits and recovered eight firearms in separate operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna.
Hassan said the breakthrough followed investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in firearms and ammunition transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida and Audu Musa during the operation.
According to him, detectives recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles and two fabricated pistols from the suspects.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Ikara and neighbouring communities.
The spokesman added that the suspects also confessed to supplying weapons to other previously arrested suspects identified as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato and Hamisu Yalwa, all from Ikara area.
Hassan said investigation was ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and arrest other accomplices.
He further disclosed that on May 5, at about 8:00 p.m., police operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested Yunusa Yahaya, 40, and Mustapha Yahaya, 30, both of Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area.
He said the suspects were found in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm AK-47 ammunition.
According to him, another intelligence-led operation on the same date led detectives to a residence belonging to Mathew Tanko of Gidan Jina, Furana Village in Ikara Local Government Area, where another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered.
Hassan said the suspect was currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend him.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in illegal possession, fabrication and supply of firearms to criminal elements to desist from such acts.
He assured residents that the command in collaboration with other security agencies would intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
NAN
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