Kaduna: Gunrunners, informant arrested as police rescue kidnap victims

• According to him, the suspects confessed to supplying weapons to bandits operating in the Zaria area

Two notorious gunrunners and an informant for kidnappers have been arrested in Kaduna State, the police have said.

The police also thwarted a kidnapping attempt, rescuing two victims in two separate operations in the state.

The development is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, on Monday.

Hassan disclosed that the gunrunners, Abdulaziz Habibu and Nuhu Thomas, were intercepted and arrested by operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on August 14th, 2024, at Madaci Village, Zaria, with a fabricated AK-47 rifle.

According to him, the suspects confessed to supplying weapons to bandits operating in the Zaria area.

In a separate operation, Hassan said the police apprehended one Abubakar Yahuza, an informant for kidnappers, at Gidan Abeh Village, Kagarko LGA of the state.

The police boss said, “On August 18th, 2024, police officers responded to gunfire at Kuriga village, foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two farmers who had been attacked by bandits.”

He quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, to have commended the officers for their gallantry and urged the public to continue supporting the police with credible information to fight crime.

“The suspects confessed to being involved in the illicit trade of arms, supplying weapons to notorious bandits operating in the Zaria area.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to running errands and serving as informants for the kidnappers who reportedly hibernate within the Gidan Dogo Forest.

“A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the bandits to flee and abandon their captives.

“The Commissioner of Police, AUDU ALI DABIG psc, commended the officers for their exemplary work in apprehending the suspects and urged the public to continue supporting the police, by providing credible information that will help them in carrying out their duties effectively and in the ongoing fight against crime,” Hassan added.