Police Apprehend 8 Suspected Highway Robbers on Kaduna-Abuja Route, Seize Locally Crafted Pistol and More
Police Apprehend 8 Suspected Highway Robbers on Kaduna-Abuja Route, Seize Locally Crafted Pistol and More
The Kaduna State Police Command reported on Thursday the successful arrest of eight individuals suspected of highway robbery along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. According to the Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, operatives from the Tollgate Divisional Headquarters conducted a patrol on January 27, during which they apprehended seven suspects who were believed to be preparing for a robbery.
“At approximately 11:00 AM, our patrol team intercepted a suspicious vehicle carrying seven passengers who were observed changing into attire suggestive of criminal activity,” Hassan stated in a press release issued in Kaduna. “Upon questioning, they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, leading to their transfer to the divisional headquarters.”
Further investigation led to the discovery of a locally manufactured pistol along with three live 20 gauge shotgun cartridges in their possession. The arrested suspects were identified as Sheriff Abubakar, Hassan Adam, Nura Mustafa, Abdullahi Mohammed, Umar Mohammed (two individuals with the same name), and Isa Usman. Additionally, Yusuf Danmakurdi, the eighth member of the syndicate, was apprehended by the Divisional Police Headquarters in Tafa.
“Our inquiry revealed that the syndicate frequently targets motorists along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, particularly those stranded due to vehicle breakdowns,” Hassan elaborated. “Their preferred targets include trucks transporting commodities such as rice, beans, and electronics, as well as fuel tankers. They employ an additional vehicle, typically a van or bus, to transport the stolen goods. In the case of fuel tankers, they restrain the drivers and siphon off the petroleum product before abandoning the vehicle.”
Hassan confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution upon the completion of the investigation. He quoted Commissioner of Police Audu Ali as commending the operatives for their swift action and urging them to continue efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
