Kaduna Police arrest 17 bandits and recover rifles and hard drugs during sweeping clearance operations across four local government areas

The Nigeria Police Force in Kaduna State on Tuesday announced that operatives had arrested 17 suspected bandits, recovered rifles and seized hard drugs during a sweeping clearance operation across multiple local government areas between 10 and 13 February 2026.

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The spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mansir Hassan, disclosed in Kaduna that the coordinated raids targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru local government areas.

According to the command, several bandits’ camps were dislodged following fierce exchanges of fire as security operatives advanced into identified forest enclaves.

DSP Hassan said suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended during the operation, describing the exercise as a decisive step towards dismantling entrenched criminal structures.

The police recovered three English-made AK-47 rifles, seven locally fabricated firearms, one English pistol and a substantial quantity of hard drugs believed to have been supplied to support criminal activities.

Among the 17 suspects arrested are individuals identified as Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alhaji Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, Nura Abdullahi, Adamu Alhaji Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi, also known as Kire, Kabiru Adamu, Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam and Abubakar Idris. Police said some of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.

The Kaduna Police arrest 17 bandits operation forms part of an ongoing intelligence-led strategy aimed at neutralising armed groups operating within forest corridors and rural communities.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, assured residents that sustained clearance missions would continue across identified black spots to rid the state of banditry.

Rabiu Muhammad said the command would maintain synergy with the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services and other security agencies in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

Investigations are ongoing to dismantle wider criminal networks and track down fleeing accomplices.

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The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations.