By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Police Command has announced the arrest of a notorious gang leader allegedly involved in armed robbery, shop breaking and vehicle snatching in the state.
Identified by the police as Fahad Babangida, a male, he was arrested by operatives of Operation ‘Fushin Kada’ Tracking and Response Team, acting on credible intelligence on 11 September about 1900hrs, according to a police statement on Saturday.
It was signed by spokesman of the state’s Police Command, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Mansir Hassan.
According to statement, the suspect, said to be “well known” for allegedly recruiting and operating with multiple criminal groups, was apprehended alongside his gang members identified as Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim.
Intelligence reports,the police added, had revealed that the gang was planning to attack and rob a retired employee of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) before they were intercepted and arrested.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their crimes and led operatives to another syndicate under the same gang leader. The second group, comprising of, Isah Musa ‘M’ and Usman Abdullahi ‘M’ are equally arrested.
“They confessed to have burgled several shops and snatched properties, particularly within the Rigasa axis of Kaduna Metropolis”, it added.
The statement added: The suspects mentioned the following criminal receivers who aid in disposing stolen items: Kabiru Sabitu ‘M’ a.k.a. Baban Godiya, Abdullahi Shehu ‘M’ and Yusuf Saleh ‘M’.
“All the receivers were subsequently arrested and have confessed to their involvement in the crimes.”
In the same vein, the police stated that “on the 10th Sept, 2025 at about 1600hrs, operatives of Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team, acting on credible intelligence successfully arrested a notorious syndicate member involved in phone snatching.
“The suspect, identified as Abubakar Usman Bello, ‘M’, was apprehended. Upon interrogation, he confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate specializing in phone snatching and other unlawful activities. He further revealed the identities of his receivers of stolen items.
“Consequently, the Police swiftly moved into action and effected the arrest of receivers (stolen items).
“Some of exhibits recovered include: one (1) Echimens laptop and forty-five handsets.
The case has been charged to court for prosecution.
“On 15th September, 2025 at about 0130hrs, a patrol team from Kabala West Division, while on routine patrol close to the bridge at Unguwar Mu’azu Bypass Expressway, intercepted and arrested two male suspects.
“The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Hassan, aged 19, and Usman Abubakar, aged 21, were riding a black TVS motorcycle at the time of their arrest.
“Upon conducting a search, the patrol team recovered one M/PO 9mm pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition in their possession.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are believed to be the notorious gang members terrorizing the area. The case is currently under investigation, after which the suspects will be arraigned in court.
“Also, On 18th September, 2025 at about 1100hrs, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command apprehended one Simon Haruna, male, of Zaro, Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, for unlawful possession of a firearm.
“The suspect was intercepted during a monitored telephone conversation in which he was negotiating the sale of a Beretta pistol.
“Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a team attached to the Area Commander, Zaria, mobilized and proceeded to Lambar Zango, Birnin Yaro in Igabi Local Government Area, where the suspect was arrested.
“Upon his arrest, a made-in-USA Beretta pistol with three (3) live 9mm rounds of ammunition was recovered from his possession. The suspect confessed to be a gunrunner operating in Plateau and Kaduna states.”
State Commissioner of Police (CP) Rabiu Muhammad commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, and reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of all forms of criminal activities.
He enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with useful information to ensure the safety and security of everyone.
PHOTO CAPTION: Some items recovered from the suspects.
