Kaduna task force arrests 398 suspects, recovers stolen phones, arms

The special joint task force on community policing and drug control in Kaduna has arrested 398 suspects and recovered dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and stolen phones during targeted raids across the state.

A statement on Thursday by Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson in Kaduna, said the arrests followed a string of coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out within the first nine days of operations.

Hassan said the crackdown has already driven a wave of criminal flight from the state as suspects flee in fear of arrest.

“The swift and targeted raids, driven by credible intelligence, have prompted many criminals to flee Kaduna state,” he said.

Among those apprehended is Mathew Adamu, described as a “notorious gang leader” known for terrorising communities in the state.

Also arrested was Adamu Umar, a suspected drug dealer, from whom a locally made pistol was reportedly recovered.

Hassan said his case will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Hassan also noted that the task force recovered various dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and 29 stolen mobile phones during the operations.

Some of the phones, he said, have already been returned to their rightful owners “after proper identification and verification”.

He explained that the task force was established in response to a surge in violent crimes such as phone snatching and gang violence in urban areas of the state.

The special task force is led by the Nigeria Police Force and includes the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, Nigeria Immigration, Correctional Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Customs, and the Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVIS).

“The situation we have found ourselves in, although regrettable, can be surmounted with diligence, dedication, and commitment from all relevant stakeholders and community members,’’ Hassan quoted Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor, as saying during the inauguration of the task force.

He said Balarabe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.