Kano: Police arrest 157 suspects, recover arms, drugs

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 157 criminal suspects in the past four weeks, according to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

Among the suspects, 24 are alleged robbers, 14 are drug dealers, seven are accused of motor vehicle theft, five are motorcycle thieves, 28 are identified as common thieves, and 79 are thugs (Yan Daba).

Authorities also recovered a variety of weapons, including two English pistols, 19 fabricated revolver rifles, a fabricated pistol, 117 cartridges, six expended cartridges, and 11 rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, the police seized 57 cutlasses, 71 sharp knives, 15 sharp irons (Dan Bida), seven scissors, two axes, and a bow among other weapons.

In terms of stolen goods, the police recovered two motor vehicles, two tricycles, three motorcycles, and a large quantity of drugs, including N150 million worth of tramadol tablets, six cartons of Ampicillin, 22 bottles of ‘suck and die’, 69 sachets, and 260 pieces of Exol tablets.

Bakori, who assumed office on March 17, stated that following a thorough assessment of the security situation in Kano, it became imperative to address the growing concerns of thuggery (Fadan Daba), drug abuse (Kwaya), armed robbery, and other violent crimes.

“Over the last four weeks, we have increased intelligence-led operations, implemented 24/7 patrols, and formed strategic partnerships with local communities,” Bakori said. “These proactive measures have already led to the dismantling of criminal networks, including those involved in smuggling firearms into the state.”

To maintain peace, Bakori outlined plans to conduct community-based engagements and intelligence-led operations in key areas across the state, encouraging residents to collaborate with the police in keeping Kano safe.