The Zamfara police command has arrested suspected gunrunners and recovered weapons.

The command had arrested a gun runner on Gummi-Sokoto Road and recovered four AK-47 rifles, 228 rounds of live ammunition, and magazines.

Police commissioner Ibrahim Maikaba disclosed this in Gusau on Tuesday while addressing senior police officers of the command on key achievements recorded under his leadership.

According to him, on September 15, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, while on routine patrol along Gummi-Sokoto Road, intercepted a Toyota Corolla car and recovered weapons.

 The weapons belonged to one Nasiru Dawan Jiya, who confessed to transporting the weapons to bandits in Gurusu village of Zamfara. Investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices and dismantle the entire supply chain,” Mr Maikaba said.

He added that on September 17, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command arrested one Muhammadu Dan Kani, a 57-year-old, popularly known as “Akki” from Kuraje in Bungudu LGA.

“The suspect was apprehended in Funtua, Katsina state, following credible intelligence linking him to numerous kidnapping cases across the state. 11 fabricated firearms, 25 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and six live cartridges were recovered from him. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the firearm manufacturing source and apprehend other members of the network,” he added.

Mr Maikaba noted that another achievement recorded by the command was the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 18 fabricated guns along the Gusau-Sokoto Highway in Gada Biyu area.

“On 14th September 2025, based on credible intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspect, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu, in Gurusu village of Anka in Zamfara. The suspect was found with nine sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

“The suspect is a well-known drug dealer with a criminal record spanning over six years. He is currently in custody as investigations continue. During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having been part of the kidnapping gang terrorizing Tsafe, Yandato, and Yanwarin Daji,” he stated.

According to the police chief, the suspect further admitted to being an active member of the Kachalla Dan Goggo Gang, a criminal syndicate known for orchestrating high-profile kidnappings within Damba, Mareri, and Saminaka areas, all in Gusau LGA.

Mr Maikaba also explained how police operatives rescued five kidnapped victims in the Talata Mafara LGA.

“In the early hours of 21st September, following intelligence from local communities, a joint operation led by Divisional Police Officer in Talata Mafara, in collaboration with Community Protection Guards (CPG) and local vigilantes, successfully rescued five kidnapped victims from Wanu Village, in Anka LGA.

“The victims were intercepted while being relocated by their captors from a bandit camp in Barikin Daji forest through Maradun LGA. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in their safe rescue. All victims were medically checked and reunited with their families,” he added.

(NAN)