The outgoing Kaduna Commissioner of Police, AIG Umar Muri says the Police Command under his leadership has arrested 492 suspects and recovered 676 rustled cattle in the first two quarters of this year.
According to him, weapons such 19 AK47 rifles, nine English pistols, two pump action guns, 11 locally made revolver rifles, four locally made single barrel guns, nine locally made pistols, one type 06 rifle, 10 fabricated submachine guns and nine dane guns were recovered within the period.
The AIG mentioned that the suspects were arrested for various offenses which included theft, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation, criminal force, assault, voluntarily causing harm, criminal trespass, kidnapping, cattle rustling, rape as well as traffic offences.
While parading some suspects at the Command, AIG Miri disclosed that about 315 of the suspects have been charged to court and 176 convicted, while others are pending trial before various courts.
He further stated that he has been redeployed to Zone 13 Awka, Anambra State as the AIG and that the Zone comprises Enugu and Anambra states.
“Policing in Kaduna State has been very herculean, particularly in tackling armed banditry within some quarters of the state.
“More disturbing is the fact that the rate of kidnapping in the State seems to be on the increase despite the tireless efforts and strategies embarked upon by security agencies.
“It is a fact that where farming is disrupted in a given community, famine is beckoned at a speedy rate to befall that same community. This is one of the glaring challenges that stare us right in our eyes as a state and the nation at large”, he said.
He expressed dismay on how farmers cannot go to their farms freely to boost food production in the Country.
Nneka Ukachukwu
