The Kaduna State Police Command has recovered suspected counterfeit United States currency, locally fabricated firearms and stolen vehicles during separate operations across the state.
The command said 332 suspected counterfeit $100 notes, six fake N1,000 notes, nine locally made firearms and a pump-action rifle were recovered during the operations. Two stolen vehicles were also recovered, while several suspects were arrested.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the operations were carried out as part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across Kaduna State.
In one of the operations, security personnel responded to reports of armed bandits terrorising farmers around Kidandan in Giwa Local Government Area on August 31.
The police said the bandits opened fire when they sighted the security team but later fled into the surrounding bush following a response from the operatives. A pump-action rifle with two cartridges and a motorcycle were reportedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
In another operation around the Maraban Jos axis, police operatives mounted roadblocks following intelligence about suspected gunrunners. The suspects reportedly diverted their vehicles, while some escaped into the bush, abandoning nine locally fabricated firearms.
Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested at Panteka, Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna, while allegedly attempting to sell a stolen black GMK Jeep.
The suspects were identified as Hashiru Ibrahim, Mohammed Ibrahim and Umar Hassan. Police said the vehicle, estimated at about N70 million, was allegedly being offered for N4 million after being prepared for dismantling and sale as spare parts.
Related News:
Police Rescue 75 Kidnapped Travellers in Kaduna Forest
Abducted Kaduna Woman, Daughters Released After 180 Days
Elderly Woman Caught Stealing Food From Farm in Kaduna
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that Hashiru allegedly stole the vehicle from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he worked as a driver for a Chinese company.
The police also recovered a white Toyota Hilux allegedly stolen from Agadez, Niger Republic. The vehicle was intercepted in Kaduna on August 31, while a man identified as Abubakar Abdullahi was arrested in connection with it.
Police said verification of the vehicle’s chassis number confirmed that it matched the details of a vehicle reported stolen in Niger Republic.
In a separate development, the command arrested one Kabir Yusuf of India Road, Barnawa, Kaduna, over alleged possession of counterfeit currency.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of 332 suspected counterfeit $100 notes and six counterfeit N1,000 notes. During preliminary questioning, Yusuf allegedly told investigators that he obtained the currency from one Sahibu Ruhan of Kano State, who is currently at large.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and uncover other members of the alleged criminal networks.
The Commissioner of Police commended residents who provided information that assisted the operations and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The command also assured residents that intelligence-led operations would continue across the state as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect communities.
About the Author
