The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with ammunition, 79 additional rounds of live bullets and other suspected military items in Bichi Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Mohammed Isah Haruna from Dala Local Government Area, was arrested after residents of Rimaye Village alerted security operatives about his suspicious movement in the area.
The arrest followed growing efforts by security agencies across Kano and other parts of the North-West to disrupt criminal networks through intelligence gathering and increased community participation in policing.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command said operatives of the Bichi Division moved into the community after receiving information about a person wearing suspected military uniform.
According to the police, the suspect was intercepted with the assistance of residents of Rimawa community, who alerted security personnel to his presence.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one AK-47 magazine containing 30 rounds of live ammunition, 79 additional AK-47 rounds, two sets of suspected military uniforms, three military caps, a suspected fake military identity card and a pair of desert boots.
The command said other items recovered from the suspect included a National Identity Card, National Identification Number slip, voter’s card and four ATM cards.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being in the area to deliver and supply the recovered items to bandits operating in the bush.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended residents of Rimaye Village for their vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
“This arrest underscores the importance of community partnership in policing. We appreciate the Rimawa Community and all good people of Kano for their support. Security is a collective responsibility.”
Bakori urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, saying community support remained essential in preventing crimes and apprehending criminal elements.
“The police cannot do it alone. The support and cooperation of communities remain vital in our efforts to protect lives and property across the state.”
The police said the suspect remained in custody while investigations continued to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network.
The command added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
West Trybe reports that security agencies in Kano have intensified operations against criminal activities across the state, with intelligence from residents playing an increasing role in tracking suspects and disrupting criminal networks.
