The Kaduna State Police Command has made significant strides in tackling crime, apprehending five notorious armed robbers, one suspected kidnapper, and neutralizing another suspected robber during an operation. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed these developments in a statement released on Thursday in Kaduna.
According to Hassan, on Tuesday, officers from Operation Fushi Kada, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating along the Karji/Sabon Tasha axis of the state. The operatives, led by the Commander, engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. Thanks to the superior firepower of the police, the encounter ended with the detention of five suspects, while one, identified as Christopher Bobai, also known as “Baban Dodo,” sustained critical injuries while trying to escape.
Bobai, who was a well-known figure in the region’s criminal underworld, succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead by a medical professional. The police had been pursuing him for his involvement in various criminal activities.
The five suspects currently in custody were named as Gideon Martins, Joy Gideon (female), Joshua Gama, Umar Usman, and Bashir Yusuf. All of the arrested individuals have reportedly confessed to their involvement in multiple armed robbery operations and are cooperating with the police to help locate other members of their syndicate who remain at large.
During the operation, several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, including one English-made pistol, a locally-made pistol, a Nigerian Army camouflage uniform, three cutlasses, four pairs of jungle boots, six SIM cards, two sets of black uniforms, and two jungle caps. These items, according to the police, were used by the gang in their criminal activities across the state.
In a separate development on Wednesday, police officers acting on intelligence about the movement of a suspected kidnapper mobilized swiftly and apprehended one Saidu Inusa, also known as “Haske.” Inusa, a resident of Burinta, Bishini Ward in Kachia Local Government Area, was arrested after a brief investigation.
During his interrogation, Inusa reportedly confessed to his involvement in several kidnapping operations across Kaduna State. His capture represents another significant victory for the police in their ongoing battle against banditry and kidnapping in the region. An AK-47 rifle was also recovered from the suspect, adding to the growing list of illegal weapons seized by law enforcement in recent months.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Ali Dabigi, praised the police operatives for their efforts in maintaining security and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety. He urged the public to continue providing the police with valuable information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in their communities.
Dabigi reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining its momentum in the ongoing fight against armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes in the state. He assured residents that the police would not relent in their efforts to ensure that Kaduna remains safe for all citizens.
The recent successes highlight the importance of intelligence-led policing and community support in tackling the wave of crime affecting different parts of the state. The police have repeatedly called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest authorities, as cooperation between the police and the public is key to reducing criminal activities.
As Kaduna State continues to battle security challenges, these recent arrests and the neutralization of a notorious armed robber demonstrate the effectiveness of police operations when intelligence and swift action are combined. The recovery of dangerous weapons from suspects also underscores the level of threat posed by these criminal gangs and the need for continuous efforts to disarm and dismantle them.
The ongoing operations, led by the Kaduna State Police Command, are a part of a broader effort to restore peace and stability in the region. With increasing pressure on criminals, law enforcement hopes to significantly reduce the prevalence of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.
