The Zamfara State police command has arrested a suspected bandit leader, Ali Bahago Danakulu, and his lieutenant in the Kaura Namoda area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the arrest in a statement sent to the Peoples Gazette on Sunday.

According to him, the suspects were arrested on May 29, following credible intelligence that led officers to a criminal gang terrorising residents of Kasuwan Daji and surrounding communities.

“The suspects have long been on the command’s watchlist over alleged involvement in armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes in the area,” he said.

The suspects were identified as Ali Bahago Danakulu of Kasuwan Daji, Hassan Dan Kure, also of Kasuwan Daji, and Dahiru Lawali of Gidan Ango.

Mr Abubakar said preliminary investigations indicated the suspects belonged to an armed criminal gang allegedly led by Ali Bahago, who had been linked to several criminal activities in the locality.

He stated that one member of the gang was killed during the operation, while three suspects were arrested.

“Items recovered from the operation included one pump-action gun, one single-barreled gun, a fabricated G3 rifle, two Dane guns, four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, nine pump-action cartridges, one handcuff chain, one locally made pistol, three Boxer motorcycles and a locally made magazine,” Mr Abubakar said.

He added that the suspects were in custody as investigations continue, and that efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the gang.