The Kaduna State Police Command announced the arrest of 27 suspects implicated in a range of criminal activities across the state, as part of a sustained effort to bolster security and combat crime. The arrests, disclosed on June 8, 2025, were the result of meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and with significant community support. Among the items recovered during these operations were firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating materials, highlighting the breadth of criminal enterprises targeted by the police.
The operations were executed across multiple locations in Kaduna State, with a particular focus on high-crime areas such as Kaduna metropolis, Zaria, and surrounding regions. According to ASP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, the suspects were apprehended for offenses including armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft, and illegal possession of firearms. These arrests underscore the police’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks and restoring peace and safety for residents of the state.
In one significant operation in the Tudun Wada Division of Zaria, a suspect was intercepted while attempting to transport a stolen vehicle to an undisclosed location. The suspect’s apprehension led to the recovery of the vehicle and additional evidence linking him to a larger car theft syndicate operating in the region. This operation was aided by timely intelligence provided by community members, which the police credited as a critical factor in their success.
Another key arrest involved a group of suspects linked to a series of armed robberies in the Rigasa area of Kaduna metropolis. The police, acting on credible tips, raided a hideout where they recovered two locally made pistols, live ammunition, and stolen goods, including electronics and cash. The suspects are currently under investigation to determine their involvement in other unresolved robbery cases in the state.
The Kaduna State Police Command also highlighted the role of inter-agency collaboration in these operations, noting that the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups provided logistical and tactical support. This synergy has been instrumental in tracking down suspects who often exploit the state’s vast terrain to evade capture. The police have vowed to continue such partnerships to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating in Kaduna.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of these successes, with the police urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. ASP Hassan emphasized that the trust and cooperation of the public have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of their operations. He encouraged citizens to use dedicated hotlines and community policing platforms to share information anonymously.
In addition to the arrests, the police recovered a cache of weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action shotguns, and several rounds of ammunition, which were displayed during a press briefing. These recoveries point to the dangerous arsenal in the hands of criminals, which the police are working tirelessly to confiscate. The seized items have been cataloged and will be used as evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali, commended the officers involved in the operations for their dedication and professionalism. He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime and assured residents that proactive measures would continue to ensure their safety. The commissioner also appealed to the public to support ongoing efforts by providing actionable intelligence.
Investigations into the activities of the 27 suspects are ongoing, with the police working to establish connections to other criminal networks within and outside Kaduna State. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting arraignment in court upon the completion of investigations. The police have assured the public that due process will be followed to ensure justice is served.
The Kaduna State Police Command has also intensified patrols and surveillance in key areas to deter further criminal activities. These measures include increased checkpoints, night patrols, and random searches in crime-prone zones. The police have urged residents to cooperate with security operatives during these exercises to enhance their effectiveness.
The arrests come amid heightened concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, particularly banditry and kidnapping in rural areas. The police’s recent successes are seen as a step toward addressing these challenges and restoring public confidence in the state’s security apparatus. However, the command acknowledges that sustained efforts are needed to tackle the root causes of crime in the region.
The Kaduna State government has expressed support for the police’s efforts, with officials pledging to provide resources to strengthen security operations. This includes investments in surveillance technology, training for security personnel, and community policing initiatives. The government has also called for greater collaboration between residents and security agencies to sustain the momentum of these operations.
The police have promised to maintain transparency in their operations, with regular updates to the public on significant arrests and recoveries. They have also appealed to the media to report responsibly to avoid jeopardling panic or compromising ongoing investigations. The command remains committed to its mandate of protecting lives and property across Kaduna State.
These arrests mark a significant milestone in the Kaduna State Police Command’s fight against crime, but officials stress that the battle is far from over. The police are calling for continued public support and vigilance to ensure that Kaduna remains a safe environment for all residents. The command has reaffirmed its resolve to pursue criminals relentlessly, with a focus on proactive and intelligence-led policing.
