Kaduna Task Force Arrests 398 Suspects in Nine-Day Security Sweep

A total of 398 suspects have been arrested across Kaduna State following a nine-day intensive security operation jointly conducted by the state’s law enforcement agencies.

The operation, spearheaded by the Kaduna State Police Command, was a collaborative effort involving the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Nigerian Immigration Service, Correctional Services, the Kaduna Vigilance Service, and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority.

Kaduna Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Friday. He described the raids as swift and intelligence-led, noting that many criminal elements had fled the state out of fear of apprehension.

Among the high-profile suspects arrested were Matthew Adamu, identified as a notorious gang leader, and Adamu Umar, an alleged drug dealer. A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from Matthew, while Umar’s case has been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further legal action.

The operation also led to the recovery of 29 stolen mobile phones — some of which have already been returned to verified owners — alongside various dangerous weapons and a cache of illicit drugs.

Hassan emphasized that this crackdown was only the beginning, assuring the public that the security forces remain fully committed to purging the state of criminal activities.

“This exercise marks just the start of our comprehensive plan to restore peace and order throughout Kaduna. The task force remains on high alert, and no part of the state will be spared in our mission to safeguard lives and property,” he stated.