The Zamfara State Police Command has made significant progress in its ongoing efforts to combat banditry by arresting a notorious gunrunner, a local gun manufacturer, and several other suspects involved in criminal activities. The breakthrough came after a series of well-coordinated operations in the state.

During a press briefing on November 19, 2024, State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, shared details of the arrests, praising the police force for their commitment to tackling criminal enterprises in the region.

The key arrest involved a notorious regional gunrunner who had been transporting weapons and ammunition destined for bandit camps operating across the state. The gunrunner, who has been trafficking arms from Algeria via the Niger Republic for over eight years, was apprehended at the Ilela border after a strategic operation.

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“We had credible intelligence and were tracking this regional trafficker who has been supplying arms to various bandit groups. Our operatives successfully ambushed him at the border as he was moving arms across the region,” said CP Dalijan. During the operation, four AK-47 rifles were recovered.

In another operation, police arrested a local gun manufacturer based in Plateau State. Officers discovered four additional AK-47 rifles concealed in a rice sack during a nighttime patrol. Further investigation revealed that the rifles were being produced locally in Jos. The manufacturer, who has been supplying high-quality AK-47s and submachine guns (SMGs), was arrested after police tracked down his location.

The operation also led to the arrest of individuals involved in the illegal sale of motorcycles to bandits, as well as miners engaged in illegal activities. A large haul of evidence was recovered from the suspects, including 19 AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, over N2.5 million in cash, charms, illegal drugs, mobile phone power banks, mining equipment, and even an excavator.

The police force has vowed to continue its efforts to restore peace and security in Zamfara, urging local residents to provide more tips to help the authorities in their fight against crime.