The Kaduna State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on criminal networks, announcing the arrest of a notorious drug courier and an illegal arms dealer in different parts of the state.
Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan revealed that operatives stormed Zaria on September 29, 2025, following actionable intelligence, where they intercepted a 30-year-old suspect identified as Franklin Ozo.
Ozo, according to Hassan, was caught with over 500 sachets of Exol tablets worth millions of naira.
Investigators believe the drugs were headed to Kidandan and Giwa communities, where they were allegedly meant to fuel the activities of bandit groups.
“These substances were not for ordinary consumption but specifically procured to strengthen criminal gangs terrorizing rural areas,” Hassan said.
“The suspect remains in custody, and further investigations are being carried out to dismantle the supply chain.”
Meanwhile, on the same day, detectives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out another raid in Doka Ilu village of Giwa Local Government.
During the operation, officers apprehended a well-known arms dealer identified as Alhaji Sani, popularly called Dan Gude.
He was reportedly found with a fabricated AK-47 rifle, two rounds of live ammunition, and an AK-47 magazine.
Police say efforts are underway to trace the origin of the weapon and uncover possible collaborators connected to the syndicate.
A senior officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “Every illegal weapon taken off the streets is a step towards weakening the capacity of bandits. Our aim is to cut off both their arms supply and drug use.”
Beyond the twin breakthroughs, the Command also recorded other successes. In Narayi, Kaduna, three suspected child traffickers were apprehended, leading to the rescue of two minors.
Furthermore, police also recovered 60 cows and 25 sheep stolen by rustlers, following credible intelligence shared by a repentant bandit.
The Kaduna Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating insecurity, noting that operations against drug cartels, arms smugglers, and trafficking syndicates will continue.
“We are sending a clear message that Kaduna is no safe haven for criminals,” Hassan stressed. “The Command remains resolute in protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring peace to affected communities.”