…Arrests kidnappers/bandits, armed robbers, fertilizers-trailer diversions.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
KADUNA: As criminality activities escalate under the current country’s economic hardship, the Nigeria Police, Kaduna State Command, has ‘harvested’ 456 suspects in July 2025, with phone snatchers, Sara-Suka (Urban Thuggery) topping the list with 382 numbers of suspects.
Other suspected criminals arrested include, 25 kidnappers, 17 armed robbers and deadly motorcycle snatching suspects, 1 notorious bandit (after 11 years on the run), 1 notorious impersonator against governors, ministers and senior government officials and personalities.
Additionally, 34 suspects were also arrested for illegal diversion of 9 trailers, 3 trucks of fertilizers, 2 trucks of sugar, 3 trucks of flour and two trucks of maize. 35 others for property crimes, firearms and ammunition, as police recovered
6 AK-47 Rifles English type, 12 Locally Made AK-47 Rifles, 5 Pistols, 1 Pump-Action Gun, 8 AK-47 Magazines, 20 AK-47 Ammunition, 87 Pistol Ammunition, 36 Cartridges.
Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles were also recovered, with 3 Golf III Wagons, 1 Stolen Toyota Prado Jeep, 1 Toyota Corolla (Linked to cross-border robbery), and 5 Stolen Motorcycles, as exhibits recovered include 54 Mobile Phones, 23 SIM Cards, Numerous Diary Books and Contact Lists of High-Ranking Officials, respectively.
Briefing newsmen on the achievements recorded in the month of July 2025, alone, the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Muhammad Rabiu, emphasized that the State Police Command remained steadfast in its commitment and efforts in combating crime and maintaining peace and security in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
He said, throughout the month of July 2025, the Command recorded significant achievements in its operations against criminal elements, through coordinated intelligence-led policing, community partnership, and robust operational strategies.
The Command “Arrested hundreds of suspects involved in various heinous crimes, ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, gun running, impersonation, illegal diversion of goods and unlawful possession of firearms, amongst others,” he noted.
Some of the notable achievements listed by the police, includes arrest of Mati Bagio, a notorious bandit, who has been on the run for 11 years: “On July 18, 2025, the notorious bandit leader, Mati Bagio, who had terrorized parts of Kaduna and Katsina States for over 11 years, was arrested in a village in Shika district of Giwa LGA KDS.
“Weapons and items recovered from his hideout are One AK-47 rifle English type, One fabricated AK-47 rifle, One pump-action gun, Two pistols, magazines, and assorted ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices,” he stated.
“Others arrest includes, arrest of Notorious Impersonator,” adding that “On 19th July 2025, a 59-year-old serial impersonator, Aminu Ado Yarima, was apprehended in Nasarawa State. The suspect had impersonated several high-profile figures, including governors, federal agency heads, and security officials. Recovered exhibits included multiple phones, SIM cards, and notebooks containing sensitive contacts.
“Amongst others are: the Interception of Illegal Arm and Arrest of Suspects identified as Abdulmumin Sani, Naziru Musa, Arrest of Six Suspected Kidnappers and recovery of Fire Arms.
“Following the kidnap of one Hussaini Ibrahim in Jagindi Tasha, Jema’a LGA, on February 22, 2025, operatives swiftly mobilized, rescued the victim with a gunshot wound on February 24, and arrested four suspects: Umar Yusuf Jabrin, Buhari Muhammad (alias “General”), Ahmadu Nasiru, and Zakari Saleh,” he stated.
CP said these achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the Command, as they have been working assiduously to achieve the vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“The IGP’s Strategic Reforms Agenda of zero tolerance in crime and criminality in Nigeria, his guidance and directives have strengthened the operational capacity of the Kaduna State Command.
“I also extend our profound and sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for his continuous support, cooperation, and investment in the security architecture of the State,” he added.
He assured members of the public that the Kaduna State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property. “We call on the members of public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station.
“To criminals, repent and confess your crimes so that you start a new life, or the Command is some meters away from your location. Wherever you are, we will get you. Together, we shall defeat crime and secure a peaceful Kaduna State for all,” he assured.