Gusau (Nigeria): The Zamfara Police Command has arrested suspected gun runners at different locations in the state and recovered weapons.
The command had arrested a gun runner on Gummi-Sokoto Road and recovered four AK-47 rifles, 228 rounds of live ammunition and magazines.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, disclosed this in Gusau on Tuesday while addressing senior police officers of the command on key achievements recorded under his leadership.
According to him, on Sept. 15, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, while on routine patrol along Gummi-Sokoto Road, intercepted a Toyota Corolla Car and recovered weapons.
“After searching the vehicle, we recovered four AK-47 rifles, 200 rounds of PKT ammunition, 28 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and four empty AK-47 magazines.
“The weapons belonged to one Nasiru Dawan Jiya, who confessed to transporting the guns to bandits in Gurusu village of Zamfara.
“Investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices and dismantle the entire supply chain,” Maikaba said.
The police commissioner further stated that on Sept. 17, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command arrested Muhammadu Dan Kani, a 57-year-old, popularly known as “Akki,” from Kuraje in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.
“The suspect was apprehended in Funtua, Katsina State, following credible intelligence linking him to numerous kidnapping cases across the state.
“11 fabricated firearms, 25 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and six live cartridges were recovered from him.
“Investigation is ongoing to uncover the firearm manufacturing source and apprehend other members of the network,” he added.
Maikaba noted that another achievement recorded by the command was the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 18 fabricated guns along the Gusau-Sokoto Highway in the Gada biyu area.
“On Sept. 19 2025, at about 1630 hours, while on intensive patrol along the Gusau-Sokoto Highway near the Gada Biyu area, police operatives successfully intercepted and apprehended two male suspects riding on motorcycles.
“Both suspects were found in possession of 18 fabricated firearms; their case is currently under investigation.
“On Sept. 14 2025, based on credible intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspect, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu, in Gurusu village of Anka in Zamfara.
“The suspect was found with nine sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“The suspect is a well-known drug dealer with a criminal record spanning over six years. He is currently in custody as investigations continue.
“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having been part of the kidnapping gang terrorising Tsafe, Yandato and Yanwarin Daji,” he explained.
According to the CP, the suspect further admitted to being an active member of the Kachalla Dan Goggo Gang, a criminal syndicate known for orchestrating high-profile kidnappings within Damba, Mareri and Saminaka areas, all in Gusau LGA.
“The suspect is in the command’s custody and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and determine the full scope of their operations,” the CP said.
Maikaba also explained how police operatives rescued five kidnapped victims in the Talata Mafara local government area.
“In the early hours of Sept. 21, following intelligence from local communities, a joint operation led by Divisional Police Officer in Talata Mafara, in collaboration with Community Protection Guards (CPG) and local vigilantes, successfully rescued five kidnapped victims from Wanu Village, in Anka LGA.
“The victims were intercepted while being relocated by their captors from a bandits’ camp in Barikin Daji forest through Maradun LGA.
“A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in their safe rescue. All victims were medically checked and reunited with their families,” he added.
Maikaba commended all the police operatives involved in the operation for their exceptional bravery, professionalism, and commitment.
“The achievements reflect the ongoing transformation and renewed vigour within the Zamfara Police Command.
“Let me assure the people of Zamfara that the command remains steadfast in its determination to eliminate criminal activities and ensure the safety of all residents.
“We continue to urge members of the public to support the police by providing timely and actionable information. Your cooperation is invaluable in the fight against crime,” the CP said.