Police in Kano have arrested a suspected arms dealer and recovered three fabricated AK-47 rifles alongside other weapons during a sting operation in Dala Local Government Area of the state.
Police said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad around Dandinshe Quarters on Friday.
State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
The statement said the suspect, identified as Umar Danladi Usman, 35, of Kurna Layin Masallacin Juma’a area, was intercepted while driving a Honda Accord vehicle with tinted glass.
The police said a search conducted on the suspect and the vehicle led to the recovery of three fabricated AK-47 rifles, five live cartridges, one AK-47 empty shell, three jack knives, a pair of jungle desert boots and a suspected fake police identity card.
“The operation led to the interception and arrest of one Umar Danladi Usman, aged 35 years, of Kurna Layin Masallacin Juma’a,” the statement said.
The police added that the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation that he procured the rifles from Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“He confessed to procuring the fabricated rifles from Dutsin-Ma LGA, Katsina State. He is currently in police custody, and a discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and dismantle the supply network,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the operatives for what he described as professionalism and courage during the operation.
Bakori said the arrest reflected the impact of ongoing police reforms targeted at tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and improved tactical coordination.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against illegal arms trafficking, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and public safety.
