The Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Police, says it has achieved success in its crackdown efforts on illegal firearms in the state.
This, according to the Command, is in compliance with the directive of the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to eliminate the proliferation of illegal firearms and engender a safer.
The assertion was made by the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, while briefing Journalists at the Command’s headquarters on Friday.
He stated that, “We have not only confiscated illegal arms and ammunition from individuals, but, also suppressed criminal activities in the border communities of Alkaleri, Ningi, and Toro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
“This accomplishment is a testament to our collaborative and harmonious joint operations with other sister security agencies and quasi-security outfits, which have substantially contributed to achieving relative peace and stability in vulnerable communities.”
The CP added that,”I would like to take this opportunity to update you on our ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality within the state during the period under review.”
On illegal possession of firearm, Auwal Musa Mohammed said that, “On October 18, 2024, the Command, acting on actionable intelligence, apprehended Abdullahi Ibrahim, a 42-year-old, for illegal possession of two AK-47 rifles and 343 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition with one magazine.
“The suspect claimed that he acquired the firearms from his deceased uncle for self-defence and protection of their livestock, at the cost of N250,000 for the rifle and N100,000 for sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. He stated that the remaining ammunition was abandoned by a fleeing bandit in the vicinity of their village after a confrontation.”
The CP added that the suspect further admitted that his Uncle had informed him of the prohibited nature of the firearm and advised that it be concealed.
He added that,”Despite possessing an illegal firearm and a substantial quantity of ammunition, the suspect did not report this to the appropriate security operatives or his village leaders, as such, the suspect will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.”
Auwal Musa Mohammed further stated that,”In a related development, several daring operations were conducted in mid-2024 across the Ningi axis. Operatives attached to the Ningi Area Command engaged suspected kidnappers in the villages of Balma, Dogon Ruwa, Lumbu, and the Burra mountain area, all situated within the Ningi Local Government Area.”
According to him,”During the encounter, the superior firepower of the operatives resulted in the neutralization of six hoodlums, while several others scampered in disarray into the bushes, possibly with gunshot injuries.”
“Consequently, the following items were recovered from the suspects: two AK-49 rifles, one FNC rifle, one locally-made single-barrel gun, fourteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three (3) magazines and eighty sheep,” he added.
On mop-up of firearms, he disclosed that, ‘The command has mopped up the following illegal firearms from the public spaces, One Fabricated AK-47 rifle, Three cut-to-size guns, One Magazine and Seven fabricated live ammunition.”
On criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, he said that, “Also, on the 25th October, 2024, a motionless body of one Damina Lamba of Wuro Dangogo via Sarma village was found in a bush between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village and a mark of violence was found on his head.”
“Our operatives attached to Misau Divisional Police Headquarters led by the DPO conveyed the body to the General Hospital, Misau, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor. The operatives swiftly swung into action to unravel the perpetrators behind the gruesome killing. Consequently, on October 30, 2024, three suspects were apprehended in connection with the act.”
The suspects arrested are: Abdu Lamba, 20-years old, Ruwa Aliyu, aged 22 and
Rakiya Ya’u, female, aged 20, all residents of Wuro Dangogo hamlet in Sarma ward and during the interrogation, both Abdu Lamba and Ruwa Aliyu admitted to their involvement in the crime.
They disclosed that they were hired by one Rakiya Ya’u to carry out the act against her father-in-law, whom she claimed to have been practicing witchcraft and had caused the death of her son last year.
Additionally, two sticks, reported to be used in perpetrating the crime, were recovered as evidence.
Speaking on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide, the CP stated that, “Following information received by the Command about a road blockade between Mararraba and Kumbil village in Alkaleri LGA, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the Commander, CSP Makama Magaji, swiftly responded and dominated the crime scene. They succeeded in arresting one Umar Sanda, a 25-year-old from Kumbala village in Alkaleri LGA, Bauchi State.”
During the robbery, one of the victims had their left hand severed by the suspects, while others sustained various degrees of injuries. The victims were taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for medical treatment.
After an intensive investigation, the victim’s severed hand was recovered by operatives at the crime scene and consequently, on October 31, 2024, another suspect who was identified as Aliyu Alh. Korau was arrested in connection with the case. Both suspects have confessed to the crime, while two additional suspects remain at large.
Auwal Musa Mohammed stated that, “In conclusion, these achievements portrayed our relentless commitment to maintaining law and order in the State. The proactive measures taken by the Command, alongside our esteemed partners, continue to enhance the safety and security of our communities.”
“We remain determined in our fight against crime and criminality and we urge all citizens to support our efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly,” The CP concluded.
