The Kaduna State Police Command has intercepted large quantities of illicit drugs and substances in two separate operations in Zaria and along the Zaria-Kano Expressway, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has said.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, 27th August 2026 at the Command Headquarters, CP Muhammad said the recoveries were part of ongoing intelligence-led operations to rid the state of drug trafficking and related crimes.
According to him, on 25th August 2026 at about 2100hrs, operatives from Sabon Gari Division, Zaria responded to a distress call at Yan’Karfe Motor Park. A suspect, Kenneth, 39, from Delta State, was arrested with a sack of potatoes.
“Upon thorough search, we recovered two AK-49 rifles, 228 rounds of RPG ammunition, 275 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, five AK-47 magazines, and some quantities of suspected hard drugs,” the CP stated.
In another operation on 15th August 2026, police on routine patrol along the Zaria-Kano Expressway sighted some persons loading items into an unregistered Volkswagen Golf Station Wagon. The suspects fled on sighting the police.
“Upon search, we recovered eleven sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis. The driver and his accomplices escaped, but we have intensified the hunt for them,” CP Muhammad said.
The Commissioner linked drug trafficking to banditry and other violent crimes, noting that many of the arms recovered were allegedly being moved to supply criminal gangs.
He commended the public for providing timely information and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
“The fight against illicit drugs is key to cutting the supply chain to bandits and other criminals. We will not relent until Kaduna is safe,” he added.
The suspect arrested in Zaria is in custody and investigation is ongoing.