Arrest of gunrunner in Zaria

Personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested a notorious gunrunner in Zaria. It was also gathered that in the course of the gunrunner’s arrest, four AK47 rifles, 344 rounds of ammunition and an operational motorcycle, telephones and charms were recovered.

The police spokesperson in the state, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the arrest via a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

The statement read, “On December 23, at about 17:30 hrs, operatives attached to Tudun Wada Zaria, while on surveillance patrol at Kwarkwaron Manu, Basawa area of Zaria metropolitan, intercepted two men on an unregistered motorcycle with bags concealed in a suspicious manner on the motorcycle. On being flagged down for search, the motorcycle passengers jumped down and fled, thereby heightening the suspicion of the operatives.

“The motorcycle and the rider, who gave his identity as one Bilyaminu Saidu aged 33 years of Shuwaki village, Bakori LGA of Katsina State, was immediately subjected to a thorough search which led to his arrest. The items recovered included four AK47 rifles, 344 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, telephones and charms.”

Mr Jalige said the arrested suspect had been taken into custody and a preliminary investigation has revealed he and his fleeing accomplice were on a nefarious mission to supply his gang with the offensive weapons.

However, The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, Yekini Ayoku, has ordered a thorough and comprehensive investigation to unearth the source and destination of the illicit arms and the arrest of the suspect’s criminal cohorts.

The police mouthpiece further assured members of the public that the command would be unwavering in its commitment to ensuring public safety and security in line with the operational guidelines handed down by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.

(Daily Trust)