Kaduna Police recover 45 Phones, arrest 14 suspects in armed robbery crackdown

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with armed robbery, phone snatching, and unlawful possession of firearms, recovering 45 phones, laptops, and weapons in the process.

In a statement on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the arrests were made between September 10 and 18 by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team.

According to him, on September 11, operatives acting on intelligence arrested a notorious gang leader, Fahad Babangida, alongside his accomplices, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim, while they were planning to attack a retired NNPC staff. Further investigations led to the arrest of Isah Musa and Usman Abdullahi, members of the same gang who confessed to shop break-ins and robberies in the Rigasa area.

During interrogation, the suspects identified their receivers, leading to the arrest of Kabiru Sabitu, also known as Baban Godiya, Abdullahi Shehu, and Yusuf Saleh. Similarly, one Bello, who was caught on September 10 for phone snatching, led police to the recovery of 45 phones, a laptop, and the arrest of his buyers.

In another operation on September 15, a patrol team from Kabala West Division intercepted two suspects, Hassan (19) and Abubakar (21), at Unguwar Mu’azu Bypass. A black TVS motorcycle and a 9mm pistol with three live rounds were recovered from them.

Also, on September 18, police arrested Simon Haruna from Barikin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, at Lambar Zango in Igabi LGA, while he was negotiating the sale of a Beretta pistol. A Made-in-USA Beretta pistol with three live rounds was recovered from him.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the professionalism of the operatives and assured residents that the command remains committed to eliminating criminal elements from Kaduna State.

He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and share useful information with the police to enhance security in the state.