In a major advancement in the fight against banditry, the Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer accused of supplying arms, ammunition, and drugs to bandits operating in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, disclosed the arrest while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State. Among those apprehended were a fake doctor and two wives of notorious bandit leaders, who were reportedly on their way to deliver ammunition to the bandits.
The NSCDC officer, identified as ACS II Maikano S/Tasha, was reportedly apprehended with a significant cache of ammunition, including AK-47 rounds and anti-aircraft bullets, as well as illicit drugs such as cannabis.
Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dalijan revealed that Maikano had been arrested two years ago but was released. However, Dalijan assured the public that, under his leadership, Maikano would not escape justice this time.
“One of the unfortunate incidents we are dealing with is the arrest of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer found in possession of arms and drugs intended for delivery to bandits in the Mada area,” CP Dalijan stated.
“He has been arrested with ammunition and Indian hemp, which he was transporting to the bandits in the bush. He is a collaborator and will be treated as such.”
The command also arrested Mamuda Sani Makakari, a fake doctor, who was found in possession of 441 live rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed that Makakari had been providing medical services to bandits without any formal medical qualifications.
He was arrested along with several women and children, who were carrying live ammunition intended for delivery to bandits in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among the detained women were the wives of well-known bandit leaders, including Kachalla Jijji and Bello Kaura. “These women were apprehended while on their way to deliver ammunition to bandits in Anka and Bukkuyum,” said CP Dalijan.
The police commissioner expressed concern over the increasing use of women in hijabs to transport arms and ammunition across the state. “Our main concern now is the involvement of women in hijabs in smuggling weapons to the bandits. We are left with no choice but to search all women traveling in the state, regardless of whether they are wearing a hijab,” he explained. “We will ensure that women search women, but any woman on our roads must undergo thorough checks.”
CP Dalijan further revealed that the husbands of the detained women had issued threats of retaliation against local communities and police formations if the women were not released. “We are taking measures to protect our personnel and the public from potential attacks. The women will not be released under any circumstances. If they [the bandits] attack, we will respond accordingly,” the commissioner declared.
Additionally, the police apprehended two notorious bandits: Aminu Tsauni, known for his involvement in kidnapping and phone theft, and Salisu Hegen, a cattle rustler operating under the notorious bandit leader Hassan Na-Bamamu.
All the suspects have reportedly confessed to their crimes and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations. CP Dalijan reassured the public of the police force’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime and restoring peace in Zamfara State.