Security operatives in Kaduna State have arrested 17 suspected armed bandits and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a major clearance operation, authorities said on Tuesday.

The Kaduna State Police Command conducted the operation from February 10 to 13, targeting identified bandits’ camps across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and violent crime in the state.

In a statement, DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police spokesman, said several bandit camps were dislodged and some suspects were neutralized during exchanges of gunfire. “Suspected bandits, informants, and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were apprehended,” he said.

The operation also led to the recovery of three English-made AK-47 rifles, seven fabricated firearms, one English pistol, and a large quantity of hard drugs. Some of the arrested bandits sustained bullet wounds, while drug suppliers were among those detained.

Hassan listed the arrested suspects, including Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alh. Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, Nura Abdullahi, Adamu Alh. Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi alias Kire, Kabiru Adamu, Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam, and Abubakar Idris.

He added that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network and apprehend fleeing suspects and accomplices to ensure thorough prosecution.

Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad reassured residents that sustained intelligence-led operations would continue to eliminate banditry, illegal arms proliferation, and other related crimes. Hassan further emphasized that the police would continue to collaborate with the military, DSS, and other security agencies to safeguard citizens, urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information.