The Kaduna State Police Command reported that its agents had captured a bandit/gun runner and found four AK-47 weapons with 344 rounds of ammunition and his working motorcycle in Kaduna.
The arrest was verified in a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna by the Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muhammad Jalige.
Jalige claimed that the command’s officers and men’s newfound vigor and dedication to upholding the mandate for complete compliance with the dominance of public space during the holiday season and beyond had begun to bear fruit.
He explained that on Dec 23, at about 17:30 hrs, operatives attached to Tudun Wada Zaria, while on surveillance patrol at Kwarkwaron Manu, Basawa area of Zaria metropolitan, intercepted two men on an unregistered motorcycle with bags concealed in a suspicious manner on the motorcycle.
“On being flagged down for search, the motorcycle passenger jumped down and fled, thereby heightening the suspicion of the eagle eyed operatives.
“The motorcycle and the rider, who gave his identity as one Bilyaminu Saidu aged 33 years of Shuwaki village, Bakori LGA of Katsina State, were immediately subjected to a thorough search which led to his arrest.
“The items recovered included four AK47 rifles, 344 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, telephones and charms, ” he said.
Jalige said the arrested suspect had been taken into custody and preliminary investigation has revealed he and his fleeing accomplice were on a nefarious mission to supply his gang with the offensive weapons.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command , Mr Yekini Ayoku, has ordered for a thorough and comprehensive investigation to unearth the source and destination of the illicit arms and the arrest of the suspect’s criminal cohorts.
He said the CP further assured members of the public that the command would be unwavering in its commitment to ensure public safety and security in line with the operational guidelines handed down by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.
The PPRO further enlisted the support and cooperation of all and sundry to the Police and other security agencies as security remained a shared responsibility.