The Kano State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robber and has recovered two AK-47 rifles and 47 rounds of live ammunition.
The arrest was made early on Monday morning, following a report of a violent robbery in Yandadi Village, Kunchi Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the suspect, identified as Hassan Iliya, a 35-year-old resident of Alhazawa Village in Musawa LGA, Katsina State, was apprehended while attempting to escape on a motorcycle.
The police said it recovered a total of ₦4.986m in cash believed to be part of the ₦15m stolen during the robbery.
“The suspect was arrested after a diligent intelligence-led patrol by our detectives,” SP Kiyawa stated. “A spot search revealed a sack containing two AK-47 rifles, 47 rounds of live ammunition, and cash totalling nearly five million naira.”
The robbery, which occurred around 2:00 AM on August 5th, involved a group of armed men storming the residence of a resident in Yandadi Village. The robbers reportedly assaulted the victim and made away with ₦15m.
However, the prompt response from the police led to the swift arrest of the principal suspect just hours after the crime was reported.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba has commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift action.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
“Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing nationwide protests, our officers remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of Kano State residents,” CP Garba said. “We encourage everyone to stay patriotic, avoid acts that could instigate violence, and continue to support the police in maintaining peace.”
The commissioner also provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report any suspicious movements or activities.
The police assured that the investigation is ongoing and that all efforts are being made to apprehend any accomplices involved in the robbery.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court once the investigation is concluded.
Residents of Yandadi Village also expressed relief at the quick action taken by the police, praising the force for restoring a sense of security in the community.
Full Statement
ARREST OF NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF 2 AK-47 RIFLES WITH 47 ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robber and recovered two AK-47 rifles with 47 rounds of live ammunition. The sum of Four Million, Nine Hundred and Eight-Six Thousand Naira (N4,986,000.00) was also recovered.
2. On 05/08/2024 at about 02:00am, a resident of Yandadi Village, Kunchi LGA, Kano State reported that armed robbers stormed his residence, attacked him, and robbed him of Fifteen Million Naira (N15,000,000.00).
3. Despite the management of the ongoing Nationwide Protest, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed a team of detectives to conduct intelligence-led patrols to arrest the culprits and recover their operational weapons.
4. On the same date at about 06:00am, the team arrested the principal suspect, Hassan Iliya, 35 years old, of Alhazawa Village, Musawa LGA, Katsina State, while attempting to escape on a motorcycle.
5. A spot search revealed a sack containing two AK-47 Rifles with 47 rounds of live ammunition and cash, totaling four million, nine hundred, and eighty-six thousand naira (N4,986,000.00). Investigation is ongoing.
6. The Commissioner of Police urges the public to remain patriotic, avoid acts capable of instigating violence, and remain vigilant. Report suspicious movements and activities to the Kano State Police Command through:
08032419754
08123821575
09029292926
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA
ANIPR, MNISMA
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.