Suspected bandit, car snatchers nabbed in Kaduna

A notorious bandit and three car snatchers were arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command in what it said amounted to a significant breakthrough in its quest to curb banditry and car theft in the state.

The state’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, in a statement on Wednesday, said the suspected bandit, 22-year-old Aliyu Umar, was apprehended in Zaria on December 16, 2024, with eight AK47 magazines and 50 rounds of live ammunition.

According to the police spokesman, Umar confessed to being part of a notorious gang operating in Zamfara State.

“On December 16, 2024, at about 1800 hours, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by their OC SP Sani Ibrahim, acting based on credible information, successfully intercepted and arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Aliyu Umar, in Zaria. The suspect was apprehended in possession of eight AK-47 magazines and 50 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed to being part of a notorious bandit gang operating in Zamfara State and that he travelled to Barikin Ladi, Jos, to collect the weapons from another accomplice, whose real identity is yet to be ascertained,” Hassan said.

In a separate operation, he said police operatives posed as buyers and arrested three car snatchers – Kefas Danladi, 24, Usman Salisu, 23, and Yusuf Danladi, 22 – who confessed to stealing a Toyota Avalon from a resident’s house in Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja.

He added that the stolen Toyota Avalon had been recovered and secured at the police station, and the rightful owner had been notified.

He said, “Police operatives, posing as prospective buyers, engaged the suspects, and that confirmed the suspicions about their activities.

This tactical approach led to the arrest of the following individuals: Kefas Danladi, 24 years old, from Gora Gan, Zangon Kataf, Kaduna, Usman Salisu, 23 years old, from Unguwan Muazu, Kaduna and Yusuf Danladi, 22 years old, from Kauru, Kaduna.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to stealing the vehicle from the house of a resident in Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja. The stolen Toyota Avalon has since been recovered and secured at the police station.

“The rightful owner of the vehicle has been contacted and notified of the recovery. Further investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, to have reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety and security.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, reiterates the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents. He also encouraged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police,” Hassan added.