The police command in Kaduna State says it has dislodged several bandits’ camps and recovered hard drugs and rifles.

The command’s police public relations officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said that about 17 suspected bandits were arrested during a major clearance operation across four local government areas of the state.

He said the operations, conducted from February 10 to 13, targeted suspected hideouts in the Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas.

“During the operation, several bandits’ camps were dislodged through fierce exchanges of fire.

“Suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended,” he said.

He said three English-made AK-47 rifles, seven locally fabricated firearms, one English pistol, and a large quantity of hard drugs were recovered.

“About 17 suspected notorious bandits were arrested; some of them sustained gunshot wounds,

“The suspects include Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alhaji Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, Nura Abdullahi, Adamu Alhaji Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi (alias Kire), Kabiru Adamu, Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam, and Abubakar Idris,” he said.

Mr Hassan said the investigation was ongoing to dismantle wider criminal networks and arrest fleeing accomplices, ensuring all suspects were prosecuted.

The state commissioner of police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has assured residents that sustained intelligence-led clearance operations will continue across identified black spots to rid the state of banditry.

“The command will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision, and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and sustain synergy with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to support security agencies with credible, timely information.

(NAN)