The Kaduna State Police Command says it has dislodged several bandits’ camps, recovered hard drugs and ruffles.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Hassan said about 17 suspected bandits were arrested during a major clearance operation, across four Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the operations which were conducted from Feb. 10 to 13, targeted suspected hideouts in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi and Kauru local government areas.

“During the operation, several bandits’ camps were dislodged through fierce exchange of fire.

“Suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended,” he said.

He said three English-made AK-47 rifles, seven locally fabricated firearms, one English Pistol and a large quantity of hard drugs were recovered.

“About 17 suspected notorious bandits were arrested, some of them sustained gunshot wounds,

“The suspects include; Ahamdu Bala, Abdullahi Alhaji Fulani, Ado Bayero Reku, Samaila Bala, Nasiru Rabiu, Ibrahim Bello, Jafar Adamu, Nura Abdullahi, Adamu Alhaji Raini, Adamu Haruna, Ado Babwuro, Shuaibu Sa’idu, Isiya Bammi (alias Kire), Kabiru Adamu, Habibu Rabiu, Suleiman Adam, and Abubakar Idris,” he said.

Hassan said investigation was ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal networks and arrest fleeing accomplices to ensure all suspects were prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has assured residents that sustained intelligence-led clearance operations would continue across identified black spots to rid the state of banditry.

“The command will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and sustain synergy with the Military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to ensure safety of citizens,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information.