The Zamfara State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state, arresting several suspects and recovering arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and illicit drugs.
Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Gusau on Wednesday.
He said the operations were carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Balarabe Mai Kaba, and form part of sustained efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
According to him, On 15 May, operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling from Gusau to Abuja after a passenger, Salisu Lawali of Yandoto, Tsafe LGA, was observed suspiciously taking photographs of the bus and its occupants.
Investigations revealed he was sharing the images with a known bandit accomplice, Abdulmudallib Lawali, who remains at large.
A subsequent search of Abdulmudallib’s residence led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition.
Salisu has been charged to court, while efforts to arrest his accomplice are ongoing.
In the same vein, On 23 May, police along the Funtua/Gusau highway apprehended 27-year-old Tukur Auwal of Saka Kadin village, Birnin Magaji LGA, in possession of two locally made rifles concealed in a cloth.
He claimed the weapons were intended for community self-defence. However, the community leader denied any such directive.
Tukur has been charged to court, and investigations into the source of the weapons continue.
Other succeses recorded by the Zamfara Command are :
Police Repel Bandits in Mayanchi–Anka
On 24 March, operatives on surveillance patrol along the Gusau–Gummi road encountered a group of armed bandits near Mayanchi–Anka.
A firefight ensued, forcing the criminals to flee.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, live ammunition, suspected Indian hemp, and hard drugs.
The Command has intensified patrols in the area to forestall further attacks.
Gunrunner Working with Bandit Kingpin Arrested
On 2 June, police arrested 50-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed of Kanoma, Maru LGA.
He confessed to being an arms agent for a notorious bandit leader known as Babuga Abubakar (alias Birki), who has been terrorising parts of Maru, Kanoma, and Bukkuyum.
Ibrahim has been charged to court, and efforts to dismantle the gang are ongoing.
Suspected Bandit Logistics Handler Nabbed with Truck.
On 1 June, a Canter truck believed to belong to another bandit kingpin, Dan Sadiya, was intercepted near Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda LGA.
The suspect, Dayyabu Musa, 20, admitted to transporting farm produce for the kingpin. The case is under investigation.
Notorious Phone Snatcher and Gang Leader Arrested
On 13 June, police arrested Mubarak Isyaku (alias “Shugaban”), 24, in Gusau’s Tudun Wada area.
He is accused of phone snatching, thuggery, and involvement in violent attacks. He remains in custody as investigations continue to identify his accomplices.
Vehicle Carrying Indian Hemp Abandoned
On 19 May, police in Zurmi LGA intercepted a Toyota Corolla containing a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled. Recovered items included a mobile phone, ATM cards, and a driver’s licence. Efforts to arrest the suspect are underway.
Suspected Car Thief Caught with Forged Papers
A white Toyota Hilux believed to be stolen was recovered from one Alhaji Kabiru Sadi of Gusau.
Documents provided by the suspect were later confirmed to be forged. He has been charged to court, and police are pursuing others linked to the vehicle theft syndicate.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to fighting crime in the state and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information.
“We appreciate the support of residents and urge them to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity,” said DSP Abubakar.
