Police arrest Four Suspected Bandit Uniform Suppliers

December 11, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

In a vital breakthrough against banditry and terrorism, the Katsina State Police Command has apprehended four suspects involved in supplying military and police uniforms to armed bandits operating in the region. The arrests were made following intelligence-driven operations and routine patrols aimed at curbing criminal activities in the state.

The first arrest occurred on November 19, 2024, during a routine patrol along the Yantumaki-Kankara highway. Police operatives stopped and searched a suspect, Aminu Hassan, a 25-year-old resident of Dundubus, Danja LGA, Katsina State. During the search, two pairs of military uniforms were discovered concealed in a black polythene bag. Preliminary investigations revealed that the uniforms were intended for armed bandits in the Danmusa LGA and surrounding areas.

Building on this arrest, the police launched further investigations, leading to the apprehension of three additional suspects linked to the operation. The suspects include Lawal M. Ahmad, 29, and Isma’il Dalhatu, 24, both residents of Basawa Quarters, Sabon Gari, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, and Shafi’u Adamu, 28, of Danjaba Village, Soba LGA, Kaduna State.

While the investigation was ongoing, authorities recovered 14 pairs of military uniforms and one police uniform, which the authorities believed were to be delivered to armed bandits to use in their criminal activities. The suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the illegal supply chain and provided details about their operations during interrogation.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, spoke on the arrest and emphasised the importance of the breakthrough in disrupting the logistics network of bandit groups operating in Katsina and neighbouring states. He assured the public that the suspects would face the full wrath of the law as they are set to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

In his statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Aliyu, commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives that led to the successful arrests. He also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support and encouraged residents to provide timely and valuable information to assist law enforcement agencies in fighting crime.

“This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to tackling the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry in Katsina State. We will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” CP Musa Aliyu said.

The Command has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The operation highlights the police’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and protect lives and property in Katsina State.