523 arrested as police intensify crackdown on crime in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has said its operatives arrested no fewer than 523 suspects for various criminal offences across the state between October and November 2024.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Kaduna, the state capital, on Monday.

According to the CP, the command arrested a total of 523 suspects for various criminal offences, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, phone snatching, and rape.

He also disclosed that the command recovered several arms and ammunition, including five AK47 rifles, two pistols, and one submachine gun.

He highlighted the command’s successes in rescuing kidnapped victims, with a total of 102 victims rescued in recent operations.

He said, “Since my assumption of duty as the 44th Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, on October 21, 2024, I, CP Ibrahim Abdullahi, have prioritised proactive policing, community engagement and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kaduna State.

“I am pleased to inform you that the strategies we have implemented have resulted in significant operational successes, with the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our officers and men.

“A total of 523 suspects have been arrested for involvement in various criminal activities, including 26 kidnappers, 12 cattle rustlers, 97 phone snatchers, 17 car snatchers, 10 rape suspects, amongst others.

“As we embark into the ember months, efforts have been intensified to tackle crime across the state. Black spots known for criminal activities were raided, leading to the arrest of over 350 suspects.

“Among those apprehended are suspects involved in phone snatching and Sara suka, demonstrating a firm commitment to improving public safety and reducing crime during this critical period.

“The command has also recovered: Five AK47 rifles, two pistols, one submachine gun, 283 rustled cows and 20 sheep, 105 rounds of live ammunition and 102 kidnap victims were rescued.”

He added that on November 24, 2024, operatives foiled kidnapping and “successfully rescued 89 kidnapped victims and recovered one fabricated AK47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition.”

Abdullahi attributed the successes to the dedication and professionalism of the Command’s officers and men, as well as the support of the public.

He added that some of the notable successes recorded by the Command include the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and the recovery of a locally made firearm, as well as the arrest of four members of a high-profile kidnapping syndicate.

The police boss added that the Command also arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered a locally made firearm, as well as charms used by the gang. In addition, the Command arrested two suspected tricycle thieves and recovered a tricycle glass panel.

Other notable successes recorded by the Command, according to him, include the arrest of a suspected gun runner and the recovery of one submachine gun, as well as the arrest of six suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.

The CP commended the public for their support and cooperation and assured them that the command would continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in the state.

“We are grateful for the support of the public, and we assure them that we will continue to work hard to ensure that our citizens are safe and secure,” he said.