The police command in Kano said it had arrested 19 arm robbery, cattle rustling, kidnapping and banditry-related crime suspects in the state.
The command also revealed that it recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, one smoke pistol, one pump action rifle, 26 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 2 vehicles, 16 rams, other dangerous weapons, housebreaking implements and charms.
The command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said, “On June 2, 2024, about 0630hrs, a police patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Hotoro, SP Umar Lawal, working in partnership with members of the community, arrested the following suspects: Auwal Fulani, 27; Abdullahi Salisu, 28; Halilu Adamu, 37; Abdulkarim Harisu, 37 and Alhassan Abubakar, 20.
“Others are Sani Abdullahi, 45; Tasiu Jamilu, 25; Sani Muhammad, 45 and Auwal Umar, 25 of various addresses.
“During investigation, two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers: 1983NA8154 and 3398; 26 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, as well as one of their operational vehicles, a Toyota Sienna with registration number, YAB 243 AG, were recovered from them.”
Kiyawa added that all the suspects confessed to belonging to a syndicate that engaged in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other banditry-related crimes.
He said, “One of the suspects further revealed that they had already carried out assessment on their target and were planning to rob some places.
“In a separate crime prevention effort of the command, on June 2, 2024 at 0500hrs, another syndicate with three members – Samila Bello, 48; Abdullahi Garba, 35; and Mubarak Nura, 23, all of various addresses – were apprehended around Hotoro Ring Road in Kano metropolis.
“Investigation revealed that the syndicate specialised in cattle rustling. A total of 16 rams were recovered from them.
“There was a report of armed robbery at Best Plastic Company, located along Hadejia Road, Kano on May 22, 2024, about 0255hrs, where one AK-47 rifle was snatched from a security personnel on duty. But the command trailed the suspects, which led to the arrest of six members of a robbery syndicate at their hideout while they were preparing to escape from the state – Usman Abdullahi, 26; Mustapha Umar, 25; Nazifi Abdullahi, 30; Isa Abbas, 21; Junaidu Hamisu, 33 and Abdulrazak Aliyu, 22.”
He said the suspects confessed to the crime during investigation, while exhibits were recovered in their hideout, located behind Port Container Base, Kano, as well as one smoke pistol with breach no: 3634566 loaded with one canister, one pump action rifle with breach no: 12649 loaded with 17 live cartridges, one mini pickup van, six cutlasses, three sharp knives and other house-breaking implements.
“The suspects further confessed to a series of armed robbery incidents within the metropolis.
“Similarly, based on credible information received by the DPO of Warawa Division that one Sa’adu Balarabe of Hotoro Quarters, Kano was kidnapped, a team of detectives swung into action and arrested one Murtala Ibrahim, 48, of Kawon Mai Gari Quarters. The victim was released immediately after the arrest of the suspect. He further revealed that other suspects escaped and abandoned him,” he stated.
All the suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department of the command, after which they will be charged to court for prosecution.
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