Police arrest notorious bandit, three car thieves in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious bandit and three car snatchers in separate operations aimed at curbing banditry and vehicle theft in the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, in a statement on Wednesday, said the bandit, identified as 22-year-old Aliyu Umar, was apprehended on December 16, 2024, in Zaria. Umar was found with eight AK-47 magazines and 50 rounds of live ammunition.

Hassan disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, Umar confessed to being a member of a notorious bandit gang operating in Zamfara State.

“On December 16, 2024, at about 6:00 pm, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by OC SP Sani Ibrahim, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 22-year-old Aliyu Umar in Zaria. The suspect was found in possession of eight AK-47 magazines and 50 rounds of live ammunition.

“During investigations, the suspect admitted to being part of a notorious bandit gang in Zamfara State. He also revealed that he had travelled to Barikin Ladi in Jos to collect the weapons from an accomplice, whose identity is yet to be ascertained,” the statement read.

In another operation, the police arrested three suspects involved in car theft after posing as buyers. The suspects, identified as Kefas Danladi, 24; Usman Salisu, 23; and Yusuf Danladi, 22, confessed to stealing a Toyota Avalon from a resident in the Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja.

Hassan said, “Police operatives, posing as prospective buyers, engaged the suspects and confirmed their involvement in car theft. This led to the arrest of Kefas Danladi from Gora Gan, Zangon Kataf; Usman Salisu from Unguwan Muazu, Kaduna; and Yusuf Danladi from Kauru, Kaduna.

“During investigations, the suspects admitted to stealing the vehicle from the Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja. The stolen Toyota Avalon has been recovered and secured, and the rightful owner has been notified.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the operatives for their swift actions and reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents.

“The Commissioner of Police encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police,” Hassan added.

The suspects, according to the police, will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.