Police Arrest 456 Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Others, in Kaduna

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested a total of 456 suspected criminals within the month of July.

The police commissioner, Mohammed Rabiu, disclosed this at a press briefing on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said the suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, gun running, impersonation, illegal diversion of goods, and unlawful possession of firearms, amongst others.

Rabiu said the arrests were made through coordinated intelligence,  community partnership, and robust operational strategies.

He said of the 456 suspects, 382 were arrested for Phone snatching / Sara-Suka (Urban Thuggery); 17 for armed robbery and deadly motorcycle snatching, 25 for kidnapping, and one notorious impersonator who specialises in impersonating governors and top functionaries.

He added that 34 were arrested for illegal diversion of 9 trailers, 3 trucks of fertilizers,  2 trucks of sugar, 3 trucks of flour, and two trucks of maize while 35 other were arrested for property crimes

The police commissioner said several firearms and ammunitions were recovered from the suspects.

He said  the weapons recovered from the suspects include, six AK-47 rifles English type; 12 locally made Ak47 rifles, five Pistols; one Pump Action gun, eight AK-47 Magazines, 20 AK-47 ammunition, 87 pistol ammunition and 36 Cartridges.

Also recovered from the suspects were, three Golf III Wagon cars, one stolen Toyota Prado Jeep, one stolen Toyota Corolla (Linked to cross-border robbery), five stolen motorcycles, 54 mobile phones and 23 SIM cards among others.

The Police Commissioner said the achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode  Egbetokun.

He added that the command has been working assiduously to achieve the vision and mission of the IGP.

“The IGP’s strategic reform  agenda of zero tolerance in crime and criminality in Nigeria, his guidance and directives have strengthened the operational capacity of the Kaduna State Command.

“I also extend our profound and sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for his continuous support, cooperation, and investment in the security architecture of the  state”, Rabiu said.

He assured members of the public that the Kaduna State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties.

“We call on the members of public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

“To criminals, repent, and confess your crimes so that you start a new life or the command is some meters away from your location wherever you are, we will get you.”