The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested a notorious bandit, Mohammed Dankani, popularly known as Akki, and recovered a large cache of weapons in separate operations.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim B. Maikaba confirmed the arrest during a press briefing on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Gusau.
According to Maikaba, the 57-year-old suspect, a native of Kuraje in Bungudu LGA, was arrested in Funtua, Katsina State after intelligence reports linked him to multiple kidnapping cases.
“During investigation, the suspect confessed to being part of the gang terrorizing Tsafe, Yandato, and Yanwarin Daji. He also admitted to belonging to the Kachalla Dan Goggo Gang, known for kidnappings in Damba, Mareri, and Saminaka areas of Gusau LGA,” the police chief revealed.
Arms Recovery Operations
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September 15: Operatives intercepted a Toyota Corolla along the Gummi–Sokoto road, uncovering four AK-47 rifles, 200 rounds of PKT ammunition, 28 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and four empty magazines. The weapons were concealed in a sack of oranges belonging to Nasiru Dawan Jiya, who confessed he was transporting them to bandits in Gurusu village.
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September 19: Two suspects were arrested on the Gusau–Sokoto highway in possession of 18 fabricated firearms.
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September 14: The Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Alhaji Shehu Aliyu in Gurusu village with nine sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Aliyu, a known repeat offender, has a criminal record spanning over six years.
Ongoing Investigations
Maikaba said efforts are underway to track down other gang members, adding that residents’ cooperation remains critical to security efforts.
“We urge members of the public to provide timely and credible information that can aid our operations,” he appealed.
The arrest of Akki and the recovery of the arms are seen as major breakthroughs in the fight against banditry and organized crime in Zamfara and surrounding states.
