THE Kaduna State Police Command officers have detained a renowned gunrunner in Zaria. Additionally, it was revealed that after his capture, four AK-47 weapons, 344 rounds of ammunition, an operational motorcycle, cellphones, and charms were found in his possession.
In a statement released today in Kaduna, the police spokesperson for the state, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the arrest.
The statement read, “On December 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 passengers jumped down and fled, thereby heightening the suspicion of the 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, was 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.”
According to Jalige, the captured suspect has been detained, and an initial investigation has shown that he and his run away partner were on a delivery mission to arm his group with the lethal weapons.
However, Yekini Ayoku, the commissioner of police for Kaduna State Command, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the origin and final destination of the illegal weapons and to arrest the suspect’s criminal associates.
The police spokesperson also gave the public the reassurance that the command would adhere steadfastly to its commitment to safeguarding the public and ensuring security in accordance with the operational directives issued by Usman Baba, the inspector general of police.
