The Kaduna State Police Command says it neutralized notorious kidnappers and arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, six counterfeit currency dealers, and three suspected gunrunners in a series of operations carried out within the last two weeks.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, psc, mni, during a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
According to the Command, the operations also led to the recovery of 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters worth ₦69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth ₦9 million, 1 stolen vehicle, 83 parcels of hard drugs, 32 stolen phones, two plasma televisions, and 410 cattle.
Counterfeit Dollar Syndicate Busted
On July 21, 2026, at about 4:00am, police arrested one Aisha Barau, 20, of Ramin Kura Village for attempting to exchange suspected counterfeit U.S. dollar notes.
During interrogation, she confessed that the notes were given to her by Abdullahi Muhammad, 55, and Danbala Jibrin, 57, both of Ramin Kura Village, for conversion to naira. Further investigation led to the arrest of other members of the syndicate. They will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Gunrunning Syndicate Nabbed in Plateau
On July 25, 2026, at about 2:30am, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State.
The suspects were identified as Luka Samuel, 38; John Paul, 37; and Musa Elisha, 28. Two locally fabricated pistols were recovered. The suspects confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits. They are assisting investigators to dismantle the network.
Notorious Kidnapper Arrested in Ikara
On July 24, 2026, at about 1:30am, a combined team of Anchau Division operatives and Yan Sa Kai arrested Abdullahi Mohammed alias “Aala”, 34, in Kargi Village.
The suspect confessed to being a mastermind behind several kidnappings in Kuzuntu Village, Ikara LGA, and parts of Kano State. He also admitted to participating in the killing of two Yan Sa Kai members during an attack last year. One AK-47 rifle and 5 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered, Key Fabricator Arrested
On July 24, 2026, at about 5:00pm, a Toyota Sienna stolen from a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, was traced to Zaria. One Mohammed Shehu was arrested with the vehicle.
His confession led to the arrest of Zakari Abubakar, who specializes in fabricating duplicate vehicle keys used by car thieves. The vehicle has been recovered.
Cattle Rustlers Repelled in Zaria
On July 26, 2026, at about 11:45pm, police repelled an attack by suspected bandits and cattle rustlers in Damanko Village, Zaria LGA. The attackers had rustled 80 cattle and 10 sheep.
In a gun duel, police forced the criminals to abandon all the livestock. Two owners who sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment.
₦78m Worth of Suspected Stolen Solar Equipment Recovered
On July 28, 2026, the Anti-Car Theft Section uncovered a store in Zaria containing 190 solar inverters valued at ₦69 million and 10 lithium batteries valued at ₦9 million. Police said the items are suspected to have been stolen from a container destined for Zaria. Investigations are ongoing.
Drug Suppliers to Bandits Arrested
On July 31, 2026, operatives arrested Alex Odoh, 36, and Daniel Eze, 35, for allegedly supplying hard drugs to bandits around Kasuwar Magani. A large quantity of hard drugs worth millions of naira was recovered. Both suspects confessed during preliminary investigation.
CP Muhammad commended officers for their gallantry and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that the Command, in conjunction with the military, DSS, NSCDC and vigilante groups, remains resolute in keeping Kaduna State safe.
All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.