5th February, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
A dreaded bandit group planning to establish camp inside Gwarzo-Karaye forest have been uncovered and with one of them arrested by a team of Policemen operating around Kano border communities.
Police investigations showed that the bandits were based in Birnin Gwari, but decided to relocate to Gwarzo-Karaye forest to continue their nefarious activities.
The bandits specialise in cattle rustling and armed robbery.
According to Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who made this known through a statement signed by the Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Abdullahi Hussaini, 55 cows, six sheep were recovered during the operation.
The statement added that, “the suspect confessed to having relocated to Kano State with the intention to set up a bandit camp in Gwarzo-Karaye Forest.”
Gumel commended the efforts of the police operatives at Kano border communities and directed for additional deployment of manpower and equipment.
The Statement further reads: “On January 4, 2024, a team of Police Operatives led by SP Aliyu Mohammed Auwal, while on intelligence-led Clearance Operation at Karaye LGA, Kano State along Kaduna-Kano Border arrested one Isah Lawal, aged 33, of Kaya Village, Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State in possession of 55 Cows and six Sheep.
“During the course of the investigation, the suspect confessed that they were running out from their Maidaro bandits Camp in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State because one of their gang leaders, Bashir of Malumfashi, Katsina State was killed during a bandit-rival group fights which necessitated him to relocate to Kano State, Gwarzo-Karaye Forest to set up a new camp.
“A discrete investigation is in progress as the suspect is providing useful information that will assist the Police in tackling banditry in neighboring States.”
Gumel, having commended the police operatives for their effort, resilience and commitment, directed the deployment of additional manpower and equipment to all Kano State borders.
Gumel further urged everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest Police Station or through any of the following emergency contact numbers:- 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or log in to the NPF Rescue Me Application available in the Play Store, or through the following Online.