The Kaduna State Police Command revealed on Friday that a well-known bandit chief, who had evaded capture for more than ten years, was apprehended, along with three individuals suspected of motorcycle theft throughout the state.
The statement mentioned that it retrieved a collection of advanced weapons, bullets, a stolen Toyota Prado SUV, and two motorcycles during its latest missions.
The detained outlaw, known as Mati Bagio, is a 34-year-old inhabitant of Unguwan Galadima in Shika District, within the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and was reported to have headed a criminal group that instilled fear in communities throughout Kaduna and Katsina States for many years.
In a statement, Mansir Hassan, the state Police Public Relations Officer, mentioned that Bagio was taken into custody by detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit headed by CSP Sani Zuntu based on reliable information.
He mentioned that Bagio had been listed as a wanted individual by the police for 11 years due to suspected participation in several attacks across Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua Local Government Areas, which are located in both Kaduna and Katsina States.
As per Hassan, the individual under suspicion was taken into custody at his home, where law enforcement officers discovered a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition.
On July 18th, 2025, around 0530 hours, based on reliable information, a group of investigators headed by CSP Sani Zuntu, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, effectively located and apprehended a well-known gang leader commonly referred to as Mati Bagio. He is a 34-year-old man from Unguwan Galadima in the Shika district, within the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
"The suspect is a well-known bandit leader who instilled fear in Kaduna and Katsina states, particularly in the local government areas of Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua. He has been evading capture for the last eleven years and was recently arrested at his home, where a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition was found," he added.
Among the items found on the suspect, he mentioned: "One AK-47 rifle; one fake AK-47 rifle; one pump-action gun; two English pistols; two AK-47 magazines; two LAR rifle magazines; four fake AK-47 stocks; four live AK-47 bullets; ten pump-action shells; eighty-seven pistol rounds; one machete; two flashlights; one clearing rod"
"The detention of this infamous outlaw represents a major achievement in the Command's ongoing campaign to eliminate violent offenders and the illegal spread of weapons in Kaduna," Hassan added.
He mentioned that Bagio is still in detention as the investigation proceeds, with the police increasing their efforts to capture other members of his gang who have fled.
During a different operation, the police stated that a stolen Toyota Prado SUV, which was taken at gunpoint in Abuja, was found in Kaduna on July 17, 2025.
The rescue operation was initiated after a distress signal was received from the Kaduna Command Control Room, which had located the vehicle near the Shema Filling Station in Unguwan Gwari, Kaduna.
"A patrol and monitoring team from Kawo Division was quickly deployed to the site upon receiving the information. The area was secured, and the stolen vehicle was retrieved," said the police representative.
He, however, is said to have left the vehicle and run away upon seeing the police.
As per his statement, the retrieved SUV is currently under police control, awaiting its transfer to the FCT Police Command, where the vehicle theft was initially reported.
In a similar manner, the police chief stated on July 15, 2025, around 2:00 pm, that detectives also arrested three individuals suspected of stealing motorcycles, who are known for targeting and robbing commercial motorcyclists.
Hassan identified the individuals as Yusuf Yakubu from Amana Village, Abubakar Jibrin and Mustapha Aliyu from Unguwan Rimi, and Yunusa Yusuf from Kujama — all were taken into custody based on reliable information.
He mentioned during the operation, the police seized two stolen motorcycles believed to be linked to the gang, and noted that the suspects are currently cooperating with law enforcement efforts to identify further associates and recover more stolen items.
Additionally, on July 15th, 2025, around 1400 hours, based on reliable information from a trustworthy source about the actions of suspected motorcycle thieves, a group of agents under the command of the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit initiated operations.
They located and arrested Yusuf Yakubu from Amana Village, Abubakar Jibrin, and Mustapha Aliyu at Anguwan Rimi, along with Yunusa Yusuf from Kujama. The suspects are known for attacking, injuring, or killing cyclists and stealing their motorcycles. During the operation, two stolen motorcycles were recovered.
He cited State Police Commissioner Rabiu Muhammad, praising his team for their commitment, perseverance, and quick reaction to intelligence.
He also encouraged members of the public to keep working with the police by sharing reliable details to support security initiatives within the state.
"The Command continues to be resolute in its efforts to fight crime and protect the well-being of every resident in Kaduna," Hassan stated. ENDS.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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