The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two suspected arms dealers and recovered 300 rounds of live ammunition during an operation targeting an alleged arms trafficking syndicate in the state.
The suspects, identified as Rayyanu Adamu and Nasiru Abubakar, were arrested on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of an alleged syndicate trafficking arms and ammunition around Giwa Local Government Area and the railway station axis of Kaduna State.
According to the police, detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched surveillance after receiving the intelligence and subsequently tracked down the two suspects.
A search conducted during the operation allegedly led to the recovery of 270 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and 30 rounds of Type 06 ammunition.
The police said the 300 rounds were recovered from the suspects as investigations continue to establish their source, intended destination and other individuals allegedly connected to the trafficking network.
The arrests came amid a series of operations by the command against suspected criminal elements and illegal possession of firearms across the state.
In a separate incident, police operatives in Makarfi Local Government Area foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt after armed bandits attacked a resident in Gimi Ward in the early hours of September 20.
The police said operatives from Makarfi Division, supported by local vigilantes, responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush.
One of the suspected attackers, identified as 20-year-old Usman Alhaji Dahiru, a native of the area, was reportedly wounded and arrested.
Police said one locally made rifle with three live cartridges, a locally made pistol with one live round and a bag containing charms were recovered from him.
The command said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing members of the group.
Also, on September 21, police operatives in Gwantu Division arrested a man identified as Jude Magaji of Ungwan Asibiti, following intelligence that he was allegedly carrying a locally fabricated pistol and intimidating residents.
The firearm was reportedly recovered from Magaji, who remains in police custody while investigators work to determine how he obtained the weapon and whether it had been used in any criminal activity.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, commended the operatives and local vigilantes involved in the operations for their prompt response and bravery.
He directed officers to intensify efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
The commissioner also urged residents to provide credible information to the police to assist ongoing operations against kidnapping, arms trafficking and other criminal activities.
