Zamfara Police arrest notorious bandit leader ‘Akki’, recover cache of weapons

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Dankani, popularly known as “Akki”, and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition in a major intelligence-led operation.

The arrest was made in Kuraje, Bungudu Local Government Area, following credible intelligence that exposed the suspect’s location.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, while addressing journalists in Gusau, disclosed that 11 fabricated firearms, 25 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and six live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

In a separate raid, officers intercepted a Toyota Corolla in transit and discovered four AK-47 rifles, 200 rounds of PKT ammunition, 28 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and four empty magazines concealed in a sack of oranges. The driver, identified as Nasuru Dawan Jiya, confessed that he was transporting the weapons for bandits operating in Gurusu Village.

Similarly, two other suspects linked to armed bandit groups were apprehended along the Gusau–Sokoto Highway while riding motorcycles. Police operatives recovered 18 fabricated firearms in their possession.

CP Maikaba vowed that the command is intensifying efforts to trace the source of the firearms and bring all members of the criminal syndicate to justice. He said, “Let me assure the good people of Zamfara State that the Police Command is committed to eradicating criminality and ensuring the safety of all citizens.”

He further urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing counter-banditry operations.

The arrest of “Akki” is regarded as a major blow to criminal networks operating in the state and a reelection of the renewed determination of the Zamfara Police Command to dismantle armed bandit syndicates.