Zamfara: Police arrest NSCDC officer for supplying arms, drugs to bandits

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), ASC 11 Maikano S/Tasha, for allegedly supplying arms, ammunition, and drugs to bandits in the state. The arrest was part of the ongoing efforts to combat banditry, as disclosed by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Shehu Muhammad Dalijan.

Maikano was apprehended with a large cache of ammunition, including AK-47 rounds, anti-aircraft bullets, and drugs such as cannabis. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, stating, “Yes, I was caught with drugs and bullets on my way to the bandit camp, but this is the first time.” He also implicated another NSCDC officer, ASC 2 Aminu Musa, as the primary supplier of these illegal items to bandits responsible for attacks across the state.

In a separate case, the police arrested Mamuda Sani Makakari, a fake doctor, who was caught with 441 bullets. Investigations revealed that Makakari had been providing medical services to bandits without any formal medical training. He admitted to selling medicine to the bandits and their families, saying, “I am not a doctor or a health officer. I sell medicine in villages and neighborhoods, including to bandits.”

The police also detained the wives of notorious bandit leaders, including the spouses of Kachalla Jijji and Bello Kaura. These women, along with their four children, are believed to have played key roles in supporting their husbands’ criminal activities.

In another incident, a young man named Ashiru Hadi from Kurar Mota town was arrested for killing his grandmother after she refused to give him pumpkins grown in their backyard.

Additionally, the police apprehended two notorious bandits, Aminu Tsauni, known for kidnapping and phone theft, and Salisu Hegen, a cattle rustler operating under the infamous bandit leader Hassan Na-Bamamu. Salisu admitted to his involvement in numerous cattle thefts, stating, “We only took part in stealing from two people, but I can’t count how many times I stole cattle.”

Commissioner Dalijan confirmed that all the suspects have confessed to their crimes and will face prosecution after investigations are concluded. He assured the public that the police are committed to eradicating criminal activities and restoring peace in Zamfara State.