From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
The Zamfara state police command has arrested 10 suspected bandits including a commander to one of the notorious bandits’ kingpins, Bello Turji.
The command has also recovered two AK 47 rifles, rescued a 60 year old female who was kidnapped by the suspected bandits and foiled banditry attacks.
Addressing journalists in Gusau on Saturday, the spokesperson of the state police command SP Mohammed Shehu said, the suspects were arrested following an extensive search and rescue operation.
Shehu said, Turji’s commander, Abdullahi Umar (aka Sangamere) and seven other suspected bandits have kidnapped one Hajiya Inno of Gambanda village in Gummi local government area of the state
He said, “Sequel to the report received by the police on the abduction of 60 Year old Hajiya Inno of Gambanda village in Gummi local government area by suspected armed bandits on 21st March, 2022, the police swung into action where she was rescued and the cuprits arrested”.
“The suspects, including their collaborators are in police custody undergoing discreet investigation aimed at apprehending other gang members in order to face the full wrath of the law”.
Shehu said the rescued victim has since been reunited with her family after medical check and debriefing.
He further added that, the command has also arrested a notorious bandit called Lauwali Ruguduma who specialised in banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crime in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states.
He said, “On 20th March, 2022, Police Tactical operatives on Anti – Banditry Patrol at Gwashi axis in Bukkuyum LGA, intercepted a notorious bandit named Lawali Ruguduma ‘M’ of Batsari LGA of Katsina State”.
“In the course of interrogation, the suspect confessed that, he was among the recalcitrant bandits terrorising Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States”.
He stressed that, discreet investigation was ongoing with a view to apprehending his partners in crime and charge them to court for prosecution.
Shehu further explained that command has foiled a banditry attack in Kwaren Ganuwa village of Tsafe local government area of the state and recovered two AK 47 rifles.
Shehu said, the police Tactical operatives attached to 42 PMF Gusau had received a stress call that, armed bandits in their large number were sighted heading towards Kwaren Ganuwa village of Tsafe LGA with intent to attack the Community.
He said, “In receiving the information, the Operatives swung into action and mobilized to the scene, where they engaged the hoodlums to an extensive gun duel”.
“Luckily enough, the attack was repelled, one of the bandits was fatally injured while others escaped to the forest with possible gun shot wounds”.
“An AK47 Rifle was recovered at the scene”.
“In the same vein, DPO Tsafe and his team while on confidence building patrol along Nasarawar Maifara village had an encounter with some group of bandits, who ran to the forest and abandoned one AK47 rifle”.
Similarly, the command has also smashed a motorcycle-smashing syndicate, arrested one suspect and recovered a motorcycle.
He said, “On 23rd March, 2022, at about 2100hrs, the suspect conspired with his partners in crime now at large, and hired Okada Rider, Adamu Bello ‘M’ of Rawuyya village in Gusau LGA, to transport him from Unguwar Gwaza area to unknown destination within Gusau”.
“On reaching Unguwar Gwaza cemetery, two other suspects Zakari Hassan and Bashir Shehu now at large intercepted the victim and knocked him down with an iron”.
“Police Operatives on receiving the report, swung into action and arrested one of the suspects Rilwanu Ahmed and recovered the Motorcycle while the two other suspects escaped to unknown destination”.
“The victim was rushed to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau where he is currently receiving treatment”.
Shehu said, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayuba N. Elkanah has reaffirmed the total commitment of officers and men of the command to discharge their duties in accordance with professional ethics and other constitutional provisions.
The Commissioner said, the achievements being showcased was part of the belief, confidence and trust they have to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Alkali Usman Baba in his untiring effort to improve the general welfare of Police Personnel in the State.
Elkanah called on members of the public to acknowledge the effort of the Police and other security agencies in combating crime and criminalities in the state and continue to pray for the sustenance of peace and tranquility in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The CP equally assured of Police continuous commitment to safeguard the security and safety of people of the State.
