A 42-year-old man, identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim, has been apprehended by the Bauchi state command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for allegedly being in possession of two AK-47 rifles, one magazine, and 343 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspect, who, according to the command, admitted to acquiring the firearms from a deceased relative for self-defense and livestock protection, was said to have been apprehended on the 18th of October, 2024.
Briefing newsmen on Friday in the state police commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammad, said the command has not only seized illegal weapons and ammunition from individuals but also disrupted criminal operations within border areas, notably in Alkaleri, Ningi, and Toro Local Government Areas.
Although the suspect, according to the commissioner, was aware of the illegal nature of the weapons, his refusal to report them to security authorities which led to his arrest. Adding that, the “suspect will face charges following the completion of the investigation.”
In another development, the police led operation, targeting suspected kidnappers in villages around Ningi local government council, including Balma, Dogon Ruwa, Lumbu, and the Burra mountain region, the command said, resulted in a confrontation.
“The police neutralized six suspects, while others fled, potentially wounded.” The commissioner announced.
Items recovered from them, as made public by the command, includes two AK-49 rifles, one FNC rifle, a locally made gun, 14 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, and 80 sheep believed to be stolen by the suspects.
The Command’s firearms mop-up initiative, was also confirmed to have led to the confiscation of various illegal weapons, among which include,One fabricated AK-47 rifle, three modified guns, one magazine, seven fabricated live rounds.
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Reeling out the homicide Investigation that led to several arrests, the body of Damina Lamba, as made known by the commissioner,was found between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village, showing signs of head injuries.
“Following an investigation, police arrested three suspects—Abdu Lamba, 20, Ruwa Aliyu, 22, and Rakiya Ya’u, 20—all from Wuro Dangogo.”
Adding that, “during interrogation, Lamba and Aliyu admitted involvement, alleging they were hired by Ya’u, who claimed her father-in-law was practicing witchcraft, which she believed caused her son’s death.”
Several arrests in armed robbery and attempted homicide were also confirmed to have been recorded by the command.
“Following a report of a road blockade in Mararraba and Kumbil village in Alkaleri LGA, anti-kidnapping operatives led by CSP Makama Magaji acted swiftly, arresting one Umar Sanda, 25. During the robbery, one victim suffered a severed hand, while others sustained injuries.” The commissioner stated.
Stating that, “the severed hand was later recovered, and on October 31, 2024, another suspect, Aliyu Alh. Korau was arrested. Both have confessed to the crime, with additional suspects still at large.”
Stressing that the recent successes underscore the Bauchi State Police Command’s ongoing commitment to tackling crime and ensuring community safety, he urged the public to support law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities to help maintain peace and security across the state.
The achievements, as stated by him, is
in alignment with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at eradicating illegal firearms and improving safety across Nigeria.
