Security operatives in Kaduna have arrested 17 armed bandits, as they dislodged their camps and recovered firearms.

The operation of the State Police Command is said to be in continuation and renewed efforts to fight banditry and other violent crime in the state.

Specifically, the command conducted a major clearance operation from 10th to 13th February 2026, targeting identified bandits camps and other criminal hideouts across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas all in Kaduna state.

In a statement by the spokesman of the Police in Kaduna, DSP Mansir Hassan on Tuesday, “during the operation, several bandit camps were dislodged, while many of them were neutralized during fierce exchange of fire. In the same vein suspected bandits’ informants, and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were apprehended.”

Besides, in the course of the operation, he said “three English AK-47 rifles were recovered, Seven fabricated firearms, One English pistol and a Large quantity hard drugs were also recovered.

Hassan remarked , “a total of seventeen suspected notorious bandits are arrested, some with bullet wounds, equally hard drugs suppliers are amongst those arrested.”

During the course of clearance operations, Hassan explained that the following suspects were arrested, including Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alh. Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, and Nura Abdullahi.

Others are Adamu Alh. Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi alias Kire, Kabiru Adamu

Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam, and Abubakar Idris.

According to DSP Hassan “investigation is ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network, arrest fleeing suspects and accomplices to ensure all suspects are investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”

“The Commissioner of Police CP RABIU MUHAMMAD reassures residents that sustained intelligence-led clearance operations will continue across identified black spots to rid the State of banditry, illegal arms proliferation and related crimes”, he said.

Hassan stressed further that “the command will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetekun”.

He added, ” the police command will continue to synergise with the Military, Dss and other security agencies in the state to ensure safety and security of all citizens. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.” (The Guardian)