Police arrest ‘most wanted bandit’ in Zamfara, recover weapons

The Zamfara police command says its operatives have arrested one Isiyaku Babangida, identified as a “wanted bandit”.

Mohammed Shehu, police spokesperson in the state, announced the development in a statement on Friday.

According to Shehu, Babangida was arrested during a security operation in Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs of the state.

“Zamfara Police Tactical Operatives, while on anti-banditry patrol, acted on intelligence information about an attempt by a notorious bandits’ group led by its leader, Alhaji Bello, to invade and attack some communities in Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs respectively,” the statement reads.

“The Police operatives swung into action and moved to the nearby bandits’ enclaves that led to a serious gun battle between the bandits and the Police operatives.

“The superior fire power of the Police successfully dislodged the bandits, a situation that forced them to flee with possible gunshot wounds.

“One of the most wanted bandits in the camp, called Isiyaku Babangida of Kabe village of Kebbi State, was arrested.”

He added that AK-47 rifles, “fabricated guns”, and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

“In the course of interrogation, the suspect explained how he and his other group members that bear AK-47 rifles, invaded several villages in Anka, Bukkuyum, Gummi, rustled unspecified number of cattle, and kidnapped many innocent people and kept them in captivity until their relations paid ransom,” Shehu added.

In another development, the police spokesperson said one Usman Umar, an alleged spy, was arrested on September 5.

“On 23rd August, 2022, at about 1700hrs, a complainant, one Nura Umar Shinkafi ‘M’ attached to Zamfara State Investment Office, Gusau, reported to the Police that on same date, at about 1630 hours, unknown person(s) broke the left side glass of his Peugeot 406 vehicle with registration number Abuja RSH 531 RD and made away with his bag containing his HP Laptop Black in colour with serial number CND0515RPN, valued at N250,000, one Zamfara State Investment I.D. card and the sum of N3,473,000,” the statement reads.

“On 5th September, 2022, the Police detectives acted on intelligence information from the Situation Control Room in the Government House, Gusau, and arrested the above-named suspect.

“In the course of investigation, the suspect confessed that they have a syndicate that specialises in monitoring customers who withdraw money in cash from banks or any financial transaction centres, and then follow them until the money was snatched at all cost.

“The suspect further stated that he and his syndicate members have on several occasions perpetrated similar crime in Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto States. His confession led to the recovery of the above-mentioned exhibit.”