The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 19 suspects for alleged kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and involvement in counterfeit currency-related offences during a series of security operations across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the operations also led to the killing of some notorious kidnappers and the recovery of several firearms and other stolen items.
According to the police commissioner, the command arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three suspected gunrunners, and six suspects linked to the possession of 170 counterfeit US dollar notes recovered during separate operations.
“Within the two weeks under review, Kaduna State Police Command neutralised notorious kidnappers, arrested sixteen (16) suspected kidnappers, six (6) suspects found in possession of one hundred and seventy (170) pieces of counterfeit dollar notes recovered,” Muhammad said.
He added that officers also recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 stolen solar inverters valued at about ₦69 million, one stolen vehicle, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, and 410 rustled cattle during the operations.
The police commissioner further disclosed that Aisha Barau, a 20-year-old woman, was arrested in Ramin Kura Village while allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollar notes for naira.
According to him, investigations revealed that the fake currency was supplied to her by two men, who have also been arrested in connection with the suspected syndicate.
The police said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across Kaduna State.
