By Idris Ibrahim
The new Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, CP Mohammed Ibrahim Zanna has held his inaugural briefing with the media in Gusau. During the press conference Wednesday, the CP disclosed what his immediate findings on arrival have been just as he unveiled his resolve to review the crime fighting strategies to tackle the emerging challenges in the state.
According to the CP, “on my assumption of duty as the Commissioner of Police on 1st January, 2019, I have discovered that security challenges that are prevalent in Zamfara State are cattle rustling, armed banditry, reprisal attack, kidnapping/abduction, culpable homicide and farmers/herders clashes.
He added however that “Our combat readiness, determination and total commitment towards onslaught against vicious crimes in partnership with the State government, Traditional rulers, communities and religious leaders (are) yielding positive result.”
Furthermore, he said, “In order to rid the state of these security threats, we are determined to review and renew our existing crime fighting strategies so that we can meet up with the challenges of modern day policing” CP Zanna said.
Update on Tsafe protest: 40 suspects charged to court
Speaking on the recent protest in Tsafe, he said 40 suspects who have been arrested in connection with the recent incident have been charged to court for prosecution. He said “ You may recall that on 24th December, 2018 some miscreants embarked on a violent protest in Tsafe, Magazu and kucheri towns in Tsafe LGA where they blocked Federal high way leading to Gusau from Tsafe and set tyres ablaze on the road, a situation that led to burning of Tsafe local government Secretariat with 19 vehicles, unspecified number of TVS motorcycles, Laptops, Desktops computers, mattresses and other properties were also burnt by the miscreants.
“The Zamfara State Police Command in its resolve to arrest and bring to Justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act arrested forty (40) suspect who allegedly participated in the violent protest.
“Investigation has been concluded and all the suspects have been charged to Court for prosecution.
He also disclosed some of the recent success stories recorded by the state Command of the Police Force
Arrest of notorious bandit
He said “on 16th December, 2018 at about 1739hrs, operatives of Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) while on routine crime prevention patrol along Gurusu-Gwashi axist intercepted one Umaru Shehu makeri male of Tunga mallan Village in Bukuyum LGA, the suspect who is also a gun runner has been conspiring with his partners in crime by terrorising the communities of the above local government and its environs.
“Eleven (11) locally fabricated guns meant for supply to bandits in the bush were recovered in his possession. Based some overwhelming Revelations, the suspect has been subjected to discreet investigation with a view to effect the arrest of his accomplices, and will be charged to Court as soon as investigation is completed.
Foiled bandit attacks
The CP also announced some bandit attacks foiled by the police Command thus: “On 19th December, 2018 at about 1739hrs, Tactical Teams of the Command Comprising PMF/CTU/F-SARS Stationed at Dansadau for Anty-Banditry Operations foiled an attack on the above mentioned village. In the aftermath of encounter with the Bandits, one AK47 Rifle, one SMG Rifle, two magzines and thirty two (32) rounds of live 7.62 Ammunition were recovered at the scene. However, in order to trail and arrest the hoodlums, the scene and its environs have been subjected extensive Bush combing.
Furthermore, he disclosed that“On 2nd January, 2019 our operatives working in synergy with civilian JTF along Bindim-Gobirawa chali in Dansadau Emirate of Maru LGA encountered some suspected armed bandits who attempted to attack the communities of the above mentioned axis and forced them to beat a retreat back to the forest with possible bullet wounds. One AK47 Rifle with two live Ammunition were recovered at the scene.”
Rescue of female kidnap victim
He also shed some light on how a female kidnap victim, AYOBAMI DAUDA was
rescued. According to the CP: “On 4th January, 2019 at about 10pm an
unidentified group of armed Bandits blocked Tsafe-Gusau road, near kotorkoshi
in Bungudu LGA and kidnapped the above named female victim who was coming from
Zaria-Gusau. On getting the report, police operatives in collaboration with
public spirited individuals swung into action and followed the footpath of the
kidnappers to Fegin Mahe village in Gusau LGA and rescued the victim hale and
hearty.
“The victim was debriefed by the police investigation team after which the
information will be adequately utilized to trail and arrest the perpetrators.”
CP Zanna warned “all criminal elements in the state to repent and surrender all their arms or face dire consequences, while members of the public should sustain their cooperation and partnership with police and other security agencies in the area of information and intelligence sharing on activities of criminals for prompt and timely action”
