The Kaduna state Police Command said it has arrested no fewer than 182 suspects and recovered arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs in an ongoing clampdown on criminal elements across the state.

The operation, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, was carried out between June 9 and 13 in multiple raids on black spots and criminal hideouts in parts of the state.

In a statement by DSP Hassan, he said the operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, was aimed at restoring public confidence and tackling insecurity.

He said the raids took place in densely populated and vulnerable areas such as Rigasa, Kawo, Tudun Wada, and Sabon Tasha, resulting in the recovery of 30 bags containing about 1,600 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as dangerous weapons.

“On June 13, 2025, our officers raided Rigasa community and recovered hard drugs and large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. We also seized an AK-47 magazine loaded with 31 rounds of live ammunition, abandoned by fleeing suspects during a hot chase at Rafin Guza,” the statement added.

In another breakthrough, the PPRO said police operatives from Kakuri Division arrested one Ziya U. Abdullah (35), who attempted to sell a suspected stolen vehicle. He later led officers to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Bashir Usman, also known as Yellow.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to robbing a residence in Gona with knives and cutlasses before making away with a Honda Accord, which was recovered in Zaria,” the police PPRO said.

According to the command PPRO, some of the suspects have already been arraigned, while others are undergoing investigation and would be charged to court once found culpable.