The Kaduna State Police Command apprehended a renowned gunrunner and seized 20 locally made AK-47 weapons.
Bitrus Gyang, from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was detained on September 19, 2024, at Buruku Bridge during a regular patrol by Buruku Division officers.
According to Kaduna Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, the firearms and an empty Type 06 magazine were hidden in the boot of a black Golf III saloon vehicle. He claimed Gyang admitted to being a gun runner and indicated that he had shipped fake firearms on at least three previous occasions.
According to Hassan, the suspect is collaborating with the police, and investigations are underway to locate his accomplices.
He reported the Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, as praising the officers for their dedication to duty. “Kidnappers and bandits will continue to have no breathing space throughout the state,” he made clear.
According to a police official, “On September 19, 2024, at approximately 1600 hours, officers from Buruku Division intercepted a black Golf III saloon vehicle while conducting a routine patrol at Buruku Bridge.”
“After conducting a thorough search of the car, the authorities recovered twenty (20) locally made AK-47 weapons and an empty Type 06 magazine hidden in the boot. The suspect was identified as Bitrus Gyang, a guy from Barkin Ladi in Plateau State.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to being a gunrunner and revealed that he had transported fabricated rifles on at least three previous occasions.” “The suspect is currently cooperating with the police, and efforts are underway to locate his other accomplices.”
“The suspect is currently cooperating with the police, and efforts are underway to locate his other accomplices.”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi psc, praised the officers’ efforts and dedication to duty. He also promised the public that kidnappers and bandits would continue to face no respite throughout the state.
On Tuesday, the Nigeria Police Force announced that it had broken an infamous gunrunning gang and detained over 2,700 people in connection with various criminal operations over the last month.
In Essence
The discovery of the firearms during a routine patrol shows the importance of regular security operations in intercepting illegal activities that fuel violence, such as banditry and kidnapping, in Northern Nigeria.
This incident is particularly concerning given the link between gunrunning and the escalating violence perpetrated by criminal elements, including bandits and kidnappers, across the region.
The proliferation of illegal firearms has been a major factor contributing to the rise in violent crimes, and Gyang’s admission of having previously transported fabricated rifles suggests a well-organized network operating in the area.
By apprehending key individuals like Gyang, the police are targeting the supply chains that enable these criminals to continue their activities.
