The Katsina State Police Command has arrested three suspected notorious gunrunners and recovered a significant cache of live ammunition in what authorities are describing as a major breakthrough in the fight against armed banditry in the region.
The suspects, identified as Ahmed Mohammed Kabir (25), Mannir Musa (25), and Aliyu Iliya (25), were apprehended on August 29, 2024, in Dutsinma town, Dutsinma Local Government Area. According to the police, the trio was attempting to deliver 740 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition to suspected armed bandits in the Yauni forest, located in Ummadau village, Safana Local Government Area.
During a press briefing on Friday at the Command’s headquarters, the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed the details of the arrest. He revealed that the ammunition was sourced from Nasarawa State and was intended for a suspected armed bandit kingpin known as Harisu, who is currently at large.
ASP Sadiq stated that the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the operation, further implicating Harisu as the mastermind behind the gunrunning activities. The police are now intensifying efforts to apprehend Harisu and other suspects connected to this illegal activity.
In addition to the gunrunning arrest, the Katsina Police Command also successfully apprehended three other suspects in connection with an armed robbery incident in Baure Local Government Area. The suspects, Abubakar Ibrahim (35), Abdullahi Nafi’u (35), and Adam Musa (36), were arrested on August 27, 2024, following a complaint about a robbery that took place on August 3.
According to ASP Sadiq, the suspects allegedly attacked the residence of Ukashatu Isah, stealing his mobile phones and transferring a total of six million naira from his bank account. The suspects have since confessed to the crime, and the police are preparing to charge them in court upon the completion of their investigations.
The recent arrests underscore the Katsina State Police Command’s commitment to combating crime, particularly in areas plagued by banditry and other criminal activities. ASP Sadiq reassured the public that the police would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of residents, urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
The arrests come amid ongoing efforts by security forces to curb the rise in banditry and other forms of violence in Katsina State and surrounding regions. The successful operations by the police are seen as a significant step toward restoring peace and order in the affected areas.
