The Zamfara State Police Command has made significant strides in its efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping, with the arrest of a notorious bandit and the recovery of arms and ammunition in separate operations. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim B. Maikaba disclosed the developments during a briefing with journalists at the command headquarters in Gusau.
Mohammed Dankani, also known as ‘Akki’, a 57-year-old suspect from Kuraje in Bungudu Local Government Area, was arrested in Funtua, Katsina State, following intelligence linking him to several kidnapping cases. During investigation, Dankani confessed to being part of a gang terrorizing communities in Tsafe, Yandato, and Yanwarin Daji, and admitted to belonging to the Kachalla Dan Goggo Gang, known for kidnappings in areas of Gusau Local Government Area.
In a separate operation, police operatives intercepted a Toyota Corolla along the Gummi–Sokoto road and recovered four AK-47 rifles, 200 rounds of PKT ammunition, 28 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and four empty magazines. The weapons were hidden in a sack of oranges belonging to Nasiru Dawan Jiya, who confessed to transporting them to bandits in Gurusu village. Additionally, on September 19, police arrested two suspects on the Gusau–Sokoto highway with 18 fabricated firearms.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit also arrested Alhaji Shehu Aliyu in Gurusu village with nine sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Aliyu is a repeat drug offender with a criminal record spanning over six years. The police commissioner stated that investigations are ongoing to track other members of the gangs, and urged residents to support security efforts with timely and credible information.
These developments come as part of the ongoing efforts to address the security challenges in Zamfara State. The police command’s successes in arresting notorious bandits and recovering arms and ammunition are crucial in reducing the incidence of kidnapping and banditry in the region. As the police continue to investigate and track down other members of the gangs, the support of the local community remains essential in providing intelligence and helping to maintain law and order.