By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious gang leader and several accomplices involved in armed robbery, vehicle-snatching, and shop-breaking across the state. The suspect, identified as Fahad Babangida, was arrested on September 11, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m. by operatives of Operation Fushin Kada Tracking and Response Team, acting on credible intelligence. This was disclosed in a statement issued Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.Police said Babangida, notorious for recruiting multiple criminal groups, was apprehended alongside his gang members, Ahmed Lawal and Salahudeen Ibrahim, while planning to rob a retired NNPC staff member. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes and led operatives to another syndicate under the same gang leader. Members of the second group, identified as Isah Mu and Usman Abdullahi, were subsequently arrested. They admitted to shop burglaries and property snatching, particularly in the Rigasa area of Kaduna metropolis.
The suspects also named criminal receivers—Kabiru Sabitu (alias Baban Godiya), Abdullahi Shehu, and Yusuf Saleh—who were later arrested and confessed to aiding in the disposal of stolen items.In a related development, on September 10, operatives of Operation Fushin Kada arrested another syndicate member, Abubakar Usman Bello, linked to phone-snatching activities. He confessed to belonging to a syndicate and identified his receivers. Recovered items included one Echimens laptop and 45 mobile phones. Police confirmed the case has been charged to court.On September 15, at about 1:30 a.m., a patrol team from Kabala West Division intercepted two suspects, Ibrahim Hassan (19) and Usman Abubakar (21), at Unguwar Mu’azu Bypass Expressway. A search uncovered a 9mm pistol loaded with three live rounds. Police said the suspects are believed to be part of a gang terrorizing the area.
Also, on September 18, operatives arrested Simon Haruna of Barikin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, for unlawful possession of a firearm. Acting on intelligence from a monitored phone conversation, police caught him negotiating the sale of a Beretta pistol at Lambar Zango, Igabi LGA. A Made-in-USA Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds was recovered. Haruna confessed to being a gunrunner operating between Plateau and Kaduna States.Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift action. He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to rid Kaduna of criminal elements and urged the public to remain vigilant while supporting police efforts with credible information.
