The police command in Kano has arrested 47 suspects for alleged thuggery, drug peddling and other violent crimes during a series of aggressive operations.

The command’s public relations officer, Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano.

He said the intelligence-led operations were conducted between October 1 and October 7 by operatives attached to the Panshekara, Hotoro and Kiru Divisions, as well as the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Mr Haruna-Kiyawa stated that large quantities of illicit substances and dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects during the operations.

He explained that the operational breakthroughs were achieved in line with the proactive policing mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, which prioritised community partnership and zero tolerance for criminality.

According to the PPRO, surveillance teams from the Panshekara Police Division carried out three separate successful operations.

He explained that some of the items recovered from the suspects included Pregabalin capsules and dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis sativa.

Others were 43 tablets of suspected Exol, 216 bottles of an intoxicating liquid substance known locally as “Suck and Die”, and six tubes of Red Sun solution.

He added that the surveillance team of the Kiru Division, while on routine patrol, intercepted a suspect in possession of 105 wraps of suspected Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs.

The PPRO further revealed that police officers attached to the Hotoro Division arrested some suspected thugs who were also in possession of a large quantity of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons.

Some of the weapons recovered from the suspects during the raids included cutlasses, axes, swords, knives and various charms.

In another operation, he said the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) intercepted two notorious phone snatchers operating with a tricycle around the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

“Three stolen Android phones and the operational tricycle were recovered from the suspects, who specialised in dispossessing unsuspecting passengers through pickpocketing gimmicks,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, commended the officers for their diligence and tactical professionalism, reassuring residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to securing the state.

He warned unrepentant criminals to desist from acts of thuggery and drug peddling or face the full wrath of the law.

The CP urged the public to sustain their support by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency helplines.

The PPRO assured that all the suspects were undergoing discreet investigations and would be charged to court immediately upon completion. 

(NAN)