Police Arrest Dismissed Soldier Leading Armed Robbery Gang in Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a dismissed Army corporal, Abubakar Musa, for allegedly leading an armed robbery syndicate while impersonating a serving soldier to evade arrest in Kaduna State.

Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid said Musa was apprehended alongside accomplices Hassan Umar and Joshua Raphael on March 16, 2026, following actionable intelligence.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Abubakar Musa, a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army, whose last posting was at the Army School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna State, has been impersonating as a serving soldier to evade arrest while perpetrating armed robbery operations alongside his accomplices,” Placid told newsmen in Abuja.

Police recovered 10 stolen vehicles from the gang, including Toyota Hilux trucks, Toyota Corollas, a Pontiac Vibe GT, a Honda, a Lexus, and a Toyota RAV4. Placid said efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members and recover more exhibits.

The arrests were part of first-quarter 2026 operations by the Special Tactical Squad of the Force Intelligence Department across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and the FCT. The FPRO noted seven major cases were recorded, leading to multiple high-profile arrests, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and disruption of organized criminal networks.

*More Arms Recovered in Kaduna*
In a related operation, FID-STS operatives arrested four armed banditry suspects in Tayu, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, on March 7, 2026. The suspects were identified as Abdumumini Abubakar, Maikano Gambo, Saleh Thompson, and Oyonyi Odango.

Recovered items include four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 80 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and one locally fabricated pistol with 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Placid said one suspect resisted arrest and tried to disarm operatives but was subdued and is receiving medical treatment. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members and recover additional weapons,” he added

The FPRO said the operations followed the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to FID-STS operatives, and reflect the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing against criminal elements.