Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kaduna State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating across the state, announcing the arrest of 25 suspects and the recovery of stolen solar equipment valued at approximately N78 million during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted over the past two weeks. Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, detailed the extensive crackdown, which targeted kidnapping, arms trafficking, counterfeit currency, and drug supply networks that have threatened lives and property across the state.
The operations led to the arrest of 16 suspected kidnappers, three suspected gunrunners, and six individuals allegedly belonging to a syndicate dealing in fake United States dollar notes. The police also neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin, further disrupting criminal activities in rural communities. The command recovered a wide range of stolen goods and illegal items during the operations, including 190 solar inverters valued at approximately N69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth about N9 million, 10 firearms of different calibres, 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, one stolen Toyota Sienna vehicle, and more than 400 rustled cattle.
The solar equipment, which formed the bulk of the recovered property, was traced to a warehouse in Zaria. Preliminary investigations revealed that the inverters and batteries were stolen from a container while in transit to Zaria, and the police are working to track down other members of the theft network. Muhammad disclosed that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, had uncovered the store containing the stolen solar equipment, and efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible, establish ownership of the recovered property, and dismantle the criminal network involved.
In one of the most notable arrests, police apprehended Aisha Barau, a 20-year-old woman, in Ramin Kura Village while she was allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollar notes for local currency. During interrogation, Barau reportedly confessed that the fake currency was supplied to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin. Her statement led operatives to the other members of the syndicate, who are now in custody and assisting with investigations. The Commissioner warned members of the public to be vigilant when accepting foreign currency, as the syndicate had been operating in the area for some time.
In a cross-border operation, the command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence. The suspects—Luka Samuel, John Paul, and Musa Elisha—were found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols. During interrogation, the trio confessed to supplying firearms and ammunition to bandits operating across different parts of Northern Nigeria. CP Muhammad stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the gunrunning network, which is believed to have supplied weapons used in several kidnappings and attacks in Kaduna and neighbouring states.
After months of surveillance, police operatives working alongside the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala,” a suspected kidnap kingpin, in Kargi Village, Ikara Local Government Area of Kano State. Mohammed confessed to masterminding multiple kidnapping operations in Kuzuntu Village, Ikara Local Government Area, and other surrounding communities. He also admitted to participating in the killing of two vigilante members during an attack last year. An AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect, who is now in police custody and will face multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping.
The command also recorded a breakthrough against vehicle theft after detectives traced a Toyota Sienna stolen from the premises of a Juma'at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, to Zaria. Muhammad said the arrest of the suspected receiver, Mohammed Shehu, led investigators to another suspect, Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in fabricating duplicate vehicle keys used by car theft syndicates. In addition, police operatives foiled a cattle rustling operation in Damanko Village, Zaria Local Government Area, after engaging fleeing rustlers in a gun duel. The suspects abandoned 80 cattle and 10 sheep before escaping into the bush, while two livestock owners who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack were receiving treatment.
Commending the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, the Commissioner assured residents of the command's commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of the state. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, stressing that security agencies were working jointly with the military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders to make Kaduna safer for residents. Muhammad appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that the command would sustain ongoing operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across Kaduna State.
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