Kaduna, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Police Command has delivered a significant blow to criminal elements, announcing the arrest of six armed robbery suspects, five receivers of stolen property, and three individuals for unlawful possession of firearms. The operations, conducted by the operatives of Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team, led to the recovery of 45 stolen mobile phones and a laptop.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the arrests were made between September 10 and 18, demonstrating a focused effort to neutralize armed gangs operating in the state.
Gang Leaders and Foiled Attacks
A major breakthrough occurred on September 11 when operatives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested notorious gang leader Fahad Babangida and his accomplices, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim. The suspects were intercepted while allegedly planning to attack a retired NNPC staff member.
Further investigation linked to Babangida’s syndicate led to the arrest of Isah Musa and Usman Abdullahi, who confessed to multiple shop breakings and robberies, particularly around the Rigasa axis. The suspects’ confessions quickly identified several alleged receivers, including Kabiru Sabitu (a.k.a Baban Godiya), Abdullahi Shehu, and Yusuf Saleh, who were subsequently apprehended for disposing of the stolen items.
Weapons and Contraband Seized
The police also reported key recoveries during the crackdown. On September 10, the arrest of a suspect identified only as Bello for phone snatching directly led to the massive recovery of 45 stolen handsets and a laptop, along with the arrest of his receivers.
In separate incidents involving firearms, a patrol team from Kabala West Division intercepted two young men, Hassan (19) and Abubakar (21), recovering a black TVS motorcycle and a 9mm pistol with three live rounds. Additionally, operatives arrested Simon Haruna of Plateau State, who was allegedly negotiating the sale of a Made-in-USA Beretta pistol with three live rounds.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism of the operatives and assured residents of the command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements. He urged the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information to the police to support the collective effort to secure Kaduna State.
