The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded a series of successes in its ongoing efforts to combat crime, including the arrest of a suspected bandits’ kingpin and the recovery of a cache of weapons and illicit substances across the state.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State , DSP Yazid Abubakar said the achievements were recorded within one week of the commissioner’s assumption of duty.
It says the successes reflected renewed strategies aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property in Zamfara.
According to the statement, the Police operatives, in collaboration with the military, arrested a suspected bandit leader, Audu Maikano, during a joint operation at Dan-Makulu village in Banga District of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
The suspect, described as a notorious kingpin terrorizing residents along the Kaura Namoda–Kasuwar Daji axis, was apprehended following credible intelligence.
Items recovered from him and his residence include a fabricated AK-47 rifle, ten rounds of live ammunition, fourteen locally made dane guns, a locally made pistol, eleven cutlasses, an axe, a jackknife, a pair of black boots, a set of Civilian Joint Task Force (CPG) uniform, a box of charms, ten mobile phones, and six pump-action cartridges.
Police said investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and ensure their prosecution.
In a separate operation, police also arrested two suspects, Abdullahi Idris and Ibrahim Harisu, both residents of Tudun Faila in Gusau, for possession of two bags of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspects were intercepted by police patrol teams during routine surveillance and later confessed to involvement in the illicit trade.
Similarly, a raid on a suspected drug hideout at Gangaren Gulbi area of Gusau led to the recovery of 73 bottles of a substance known as “Shutter,” 116 tubes of rubber solution, 12 empty codeine bottles, and three scissors. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the operation.
Similarly, the Command also intensified its clampdown on notorious “Yan Arlit” groups linked to reckless driving and public disturbances.
Three suspects Sani Aliyu (25), Umar Lawali (17), and Abdulmalik Sani (22) were arrested, while several others fled, abandoning nine motorcycles.
Recovered items include suspected marijuana, ice pipes, and a knife.
In a related incident, police responded to a distress call at Old Prison Yard in Tudun Wada, Gusau, where the group allegedly caused unrest. Four additional motorcycles were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members.
In another Development, Police also arrested two suspects, Wakala Ladan (60) and Sharhabilu Wakala (32), for allegedly attacking three victims with cutlasses and sticks in Shiyar Liman, Damba.
The victims were treated, while the suspects have been charged to court.
Additionally, operatives of the State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects at Labin-Labin Motor Park in Gusau over alleged motorcycle theft.
The suspects reportedly confessed to stealing motorcycles across Zamfara and neighbouring Katsina State. Police recovered 22 different motorcycle keys and one stolen motorcycle, while investigations continue.
The Command expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his support and leadership, as well as the Zamfara State Government for its continued backing of security agencies.
