The Kaduna State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal networks after arresting 10 suspected arms dealers allegedly involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to bandits operating in different parts of the state.
The arrests were carried out during multiple intelligence-driven operations conducted across Kaduna State, with security operatives recovering several locally fabricated firearms, including improvised AK-47 rifles and pistols believed to have been intended for criminal activities.
The latest breakthrough comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking across parts of Northern Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, confirmed that the operations led to the recovery of eight illegal firearms as well as ammunition allegedly connected to armed criminal groups terrorising communities within the state.
According to the police spokesperson, the investigation began after a case involving criminal conspiracy and unlawful dealing in firearms and ammunition was transferred from the Ikara Divisional Headquarters on May 1, 2026.
Following the transfer of the case, operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit reportedly launched a detailed investigation aimed at dismantling the arms supply network linked to bandit groups operating within Ikara and neighbouring communities.
During the operation, five suspects identified as Haruna Dauda, Meshack John, Iliya Dangi, Joshua Maigida, and Audu Musa were arrested by detectives.
Police authorities disclosed that several illegal weapons were recovered from the suspects during the raid.
According to the statement, officers recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles alongside two locally made pistols believed to have been prepared for distribution to criminal elements.
Investigators further revealed that preliminary findings showed the suspects specialised in the illegal production, possession, and sale of firearms and ammunition to bandits and other criminal groups operating in the region.
The command also stated that the arrested suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation that they had previously supplied weapons to other individuals already in police custody.
The police identified the previously arrested suspects as Timothy Yohana, Ado Mato, and Hamisu Yalwa, all residents of Ikara area of Kaduna State.
Authorities explained that investigations are still ongoing as security agencies work to uncover the full scope of the illegal arms trafficking network and identify additional accomplices connected to the operation.
The command stressed that intelligence gathering and coordinated operations are continuing in order to dismantle criminal syndicates responsible for fueling insecurity through illegal weapons distribution.
In another related operation, the police disclosed that operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested two additional suspects identified as Yunusa Yahaya and Mustapha Yahaya.
The suspects, both from Kuraye Village in Kubau Local Government Area, were reportedly apprehended on May 5 while allegedly in possession of a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and 7.5mm ammunition.
According to the police, the arrest formed part of wider efforts aimed at tracking individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and circulation of weapons across Kaduna communities.
The command also revealed that another intelligence-led raid conducted at the residence of one Mathew Tanko in Gidan Jina, Furana Village, Ikara Local Government Area, led to the recovery of another fabricated AK-47 rifle.
However, police authorities disclosed that Tanko escaped before operatives arrived and is currently on the run.
Security agencies have since launched efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, production, and distribution of firearms to criminal groups to immediately desist from such activities.
The police commissioner stressed that the command remains fully committed to identifying, tracking, and prosecuting all individuals connected to criminal networks threatening peace and security across Kaduna State.
According to him, security agencies will continue to intensify intelligence-based operations targeting kidnappers, bandits, arms traffickers, and other violent criminal groups.
Muhammad also assured residents that the police, working in collaboration with other security agencies, remain determined to safeguard lives and property throughout the state.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing useful and timely information capable of helping law enforcement agencies prevent crimes and apprehend suspects.
The latest arrests are being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against banditry and illegal arms trafficking in Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the proliferation of locally fabricated firearms continues to fuel violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and bandit attacks across several northern communities.
Experts believe dismantling arms supply networks remains one of the most important steps toward weakening criminal groups and restoring long-term security stability within affected states.
Residents have also welcomed the police operation, expressing hope that sustained intelligence-led raids and stronger collaboration among security agencies will reduce the activities of armed groups responsible for persistent violence and insecurity across the region.
