The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for allegedly supplying arms, ammunition, and drugs to bandits in the region.
State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, announced the arrest during a suspect parade at the command headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara. Among those apprehended were a fake doctor and two wives of notorious bandit leaders, who were reportedly on their way to deliver ammunition.
The NSCDC officer, identified as ACS II Maikano S/Tasha, was caught with a significant stash of ammunition, including AK-47 rounds and anti-aircraft bullets, along with illegal drugs like cannabis. CP Dalijan noted that Maikano had been arrested two years ago but was released; this time, he assured that justice would be served.
“One of the unfortunate incidents we are dealing with is the arrest of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer found in possession of arms and drugs intended for delivery to bandits in the Mada area. He has been arrested with ammunition and Indian hemp, which he was transporting to the bandits in the bush. He is a collaborator and will be treated as such,” Dalijan stated.
Additionally, the police arrested Mamuda Sani Makakari, a fake doctor, found with 441 live rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed that he had been providing medical services to bandits despite lacking formal medical training. He was detained alongside women and children carrying live ammunition intended for bandits in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among those arrested were the wives of prominent bandit leaders, Kachalla Jijji and Bello Kaura. “These women were apprehended while on their way to deliver ammunition to bandits in Anka and Bukkuyum,” CP Dalijan reported.
The commissioner expressed concern about the increasing involvement of women in hijabs in transporting arms and ammunition.
“Our main concern now is the involvement of women in hijabs in smuggling weapons to the bandits. We are left with no choice but to search all women travelling in the state, regardless of whether they are wearing a hijab. “We will ensure that women search women, but any woman on our roads must undergo thorough checks,” he explained.
CP Dalijan also revealed that the husbands of the detained women had threatened retaliation against local communities and police if their wives were not released.
“We are taking measures to protect our personnel and the public from potential attacks. The women will not be released under any circumstances. If they [the bandits] attack, we will respond accordingly,” he added.
