By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has reported a significant breakthrough in an armed robbery case, successfully foiling an attempt and arresting one suspect while neutralizing another armed robber. The operation also led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles and a fully loaded AK-47 magazine.
In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesman Mansir Hassan disclosed that a team of detectives was dispatched to the Kwangila Flyover in Sabon Gari, Zaria, after receiving credible intelligence regarding a stolen Land Cruiser being transported to Kaduna.
“At approximately 07:10 hours, one Mubarak Kabiru, a male resident of Kurna Fagge, Kano State, arrived at the location and was arrested in connection with the robbery. The 2024 model black Toyota Land Cruiser, bearing Zamfara State registration, was recovered from the suspect as he attempted to fabricate a new key for the vehicle,” the statement detailed.
Upon interrogation, Kabiru confessed that he intended to deliver the stolen vehicle to an accomplice in Niamey, Niger Republic, who remains at large. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the vehicle was stolen at gunpoint in front of a hotel in Garki, Abuja, by four armed men who shot the driver four times.
In a related incident on October 19, 2024, at approximately 11:00 hours, police patrol teams enforcing movement restrictions for the 2024 Kaduna State local government elections intercepted an unregistered red 2012 Toyota Corolla saloon car. The suspect driving the vehicle fled the scene upon sighting the police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to a resident of Gwiwa Low Cost area in Sokoto State and had been reported stolen on October 18, 2024, along Bello Way in Sokoto. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Additionally, on October 20, 2024, at approximately 00:30 hours, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Makarfi received a distress call reporting that a house was invaded by a group of approximately 30 armed robbers. Responding swiftly, the DPO led a police patrol team to the scene, engaging the assailants in a gunfight.
The police’s superior firepower forced the robbers to flee, leaving behind one gang member who had been fatally shot during the encounter. A fully loaded AK-47 magazine was recovered from the deceased suspect’s pocket.
Commissioner of Police CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah commended the officers for their prompt response and bravery, assuring the public that the Command will continue its relentless efforts to ensure the safety and peace of Kaduna State.
