The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious bandit, Mati Bagio, who had been on the run for over a decade, alongside several other suspects involved in armed robbery and motorcycle theft across the state.
In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, Bagio, aged 34, was apprehended in the early hours of Friday, July 18, 2025, during a targeted operation led by CSP Sani Zuntu of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The suspect, a resident of Unguwan Galadima in Shika District, Giwa LGA, had been a key figure in banditry operations across Kaduna and Katsina States for over 11 years.
Bagio is believed to have operated across multiple local government areas, including Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua, leaving a trail of violence and fear.
Upon his arrest, police recovered a significant cache of weapons, including:
- 1 AK-47 rifle
- 1 fabricated AK-47 rifle
- 1 pump action gun
- 2 English pistols
- 2 AK-47 magazines
- 2 LAR rifle magazines
- 4 fabricated AK-47 butts
- 4 rounds of AK-47 ammunition
- 10 rounds of pump action ammunition
- 87 rounds of pistol ammunition
- A machete, torch lights, and an unjamming rod
Police say Bagio is currently in custody undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
More recoveries and arrests
In another operation on July 17, 2025, a black Toyota Prado Jeep stolen at gunpoint in Abuja was tracked to Kaduna. Police patrol teams from Kawo Division recovered the vehicle near Shema Filling Station in Unguwan Gwari. The suspect fled the scene, but the vehicle was secured and will be transferred to the FCT Command for further investigation.
Earlier on July 15, operatives also arrested four suspects linked to a motorcycle theft syndicate. Acting on credible intelligence, police arrested Yusuf Yakubu (Amana Village), Abubakar Jibrin, Mustapha Aliyu (Anguwan Rimi), and Yunusa Yusuf (Kujama). The gang was notorious for attacking and dispossessing motorcyclists, and two stolen motorcycles were recovered.
All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner of Police commends officers
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, lauded the officers involved for their swift and coordinated actions. He urged residents to continue sharing credible intelligence with law enforcement, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in combating crime.