Police nab gunrunner, recover 20 AK-47 rifles in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious gunrunner and recovered 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.

The suspect, Bitrus Gyang, from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was apprehended on September 19, 2024, at Buruku Bridge during a routine patrol by officers from the Buruku Division.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, in Kaduna on Friday,  the rifles and an empty Type 06 magazine were hidden in the boot of a black Golf III saloon vehicle.

He said Gyang confessed to being a gun runner and revealed he had transported fabricated rifles on at least three previous occasions.

According to Hassan, the suspect is cooperating with the police, and efforts are underway to track down his accomplices.

He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, to have commended the officers for their dedication to duty.

“Kidnappers and bandits will continue to have no breathing space throughout the state,” he assured.

The police spokesman said, “On September 19, 2024, at about 1600 hours, officers from Buruku Division, while conducting a routine patrol at Buruku Bridge, intercepted a black Golf III saloon vehicle.

“Upon a thorough search of the vehicle, the officers discovered twenty (20) locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and an empty Type 06 magazine hidden in the vehicle’s boot. The suspect was identified as Bitrus Gyang, a male from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a gunrunner and revealed that he had transported fabricated rifles on at least three previous occasions.

“The suspect is currently cooperating with the police, and efforts are underway to track down his other accomplices.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi psc, commended the officers for their efforts and dedication to duty. He also assured the public that kidnappers and bandits would continue to have no breathing space throughout the state.

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Police Force said it dismantled a notorious gunrunning syndicate and arrested over 2,700 suspects in connection with various criminal activities within the past month.