The Kaduna state Police command has arrested six suspected armed robbers, five receivers, and three others for unlawful possession of firearms in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered three pistols, several rounds of ammunition, 45 handsets and a laptop.

Spokesman of the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the arrest followed intelligence-led operations by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team between September 10 and 18, 2025.

He said on September 11, operatives arrested a notorious gang leader, Fahad Babangida, alongside his accomplices, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim. 

The suspects were allegedly plotting to attack a retired NNPC staff before they were intercepted. Their confession led to the arrest of two other gang members, Isah Musa and Usman Abdullahi, believed to be behind several shop burglaries and vehicle snatching incidents within Rigasa in Kaduna metropolis.

The suspects further mentioned their receivers, identified as Kabiru Sabitu alias Baban Godiya, Abdullahi Shehu and Yusuf Saleh, who were also arrested and confessed to aiding disposal of stolen items.

Similarly, on September 10, police apprehended Abubakar Usman Bello, said to be a member of a syndicate involved in phone snatching. His arrest led to the recovery of 45 handsets and an Echimens laptop, while his receivers were also taken into custody. The case has since been charged to court.

Hassan said “another patrol team from Kabala West Division, on September 15, arrested two suspects, Ibrahim Hassan, 19, and Usman Abubakar, 21, with a pistol and three rounds of live ammunition during a stop-and-search operation at Unguwar Mu’azu bypass.”

On September 18, operatives arrested one Simon Haruna of Barikin Ladi, Plateau State, for unlawful possession of a firearm. He was intercepted in Igabi Local Government Area while attempting to sell a Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds. The suspect confessed to being a gunrunner operating between Plateau and Kaduna states.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the police to enhance security in the state.