KANO POLICE ARREST 149 SUSPECTED CRIMINALS

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A significant effort has been made by the Kano State Police Command to combat thuggery and other crimes in the state, as evidenced by the arrest of 149 suspected criminals.

The arrest is one of the command’s accomplishments over the last ten days under the direction of Kano State Commissioner of Police Salman Garba, according to state police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa, who made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

Since taking up his position on June 24, 2024, Garba has directed focused operations that have led to the apprehension of 149 individuals, including 106 thugs. Large amounts of illegal drugs and other deadly weapons have also been recovered as a result of these operations.

“The re-emergence of these criminal activities is a matter of great concern for the Kano State Police Command, which we are fully committed to combating head-on,” the spokesman said.

The crackdown is part of a broader strategy in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun aimed at addressing thuggery and other violent crimes in the state.

“We have employed robust security measures to address the root causes of this violence and promote peace and harmony in the affected areas and the state at large,” Kiyawa added.

The operations from June 24 to July 4 resulted in the following arrests: 106 suspected thugs, 25 armed robbery suspects, two suspected kidnappers, three suspected drug dealers, three suspected motor vehicle thieves, two suspected motorcycle thieves, and eight suspected thieves.

The police also recovered a range of items, including a pump-action rifle, motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, knives, cutlasses, and significant quantities of illicit drugs.

Among the notable arrests, Kiyawa highlighted the capture of two armed robbery suspects on June 26.

“These suspects attacked victims in their homes with dangerous weapons, inflicted injuries, and robbed them of valuable items,” he said.

The police swiftly arrested the suspects and recovered the stolen items.

In another operation, a notorious car theft syndicate was dismantled, leading to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina II and the arrest of three suspects.

“The suspects confessed to a series of car snatchings in Kano State and environs,” SP Kiyawa revealed.

The police also intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons during joint patrols with local vigilantes. On July 1, 87 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from a suspect in Yankaba Quarters.

According to the police, Garba’s administration has intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel, and increased collaboration with community leaders and other security agencies.

“This coordinated approach is essential to effectively combat the root causes of the violence and prevent future incidents,” the police said.

In his address, Garba urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police.

“We must appreciate the law-abiding people of the state for their continuous support, prayers, understanding, and cooperation,” he said.

He also encouraged community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.