Police Arrest 345 Suspected Thugs, Drug Peddlers in Kano Crackdown

By Margaret Abah

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 345 suspected thugs, drug peddlers and individuals found in possession of offensive weapons during a three-day security operation across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the security situation in Kano on Monday.

Bakori said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated clearance operation conducted across the 44 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks, intercept illegal weapons and disrupt drug trafficking activities.

According to him, the operation forms part of the command’s broader strategy to strengthen security and sustain recent gains recorded in the fight against crime.

“I have convened this briefing to update the people of Kano State on the current security situation, present the results of our recent statewide operation, and reaffirm the command’s commitment to consolidating the gains we are recording,” he said.

The police commissioner revealed that all 345 suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established.

He further disclosed that security operatives recovered 270 dangerous weapons from the suspects, including knives, cutlasses, clubs and other implements commonly used in violent attacks and criminal activities.

Bakori also said a significant quantity of suspected illicit drugs and substances was seized during the operation. The recovered items include Cannabis Sativa, Exol tablets and a dangerous substance locally known as “Suck and Die.”

According to him, the seizures have significantly weakened the operational capacity of criminal groups and contributed to improving public safety across the state.

The commissioner noted that “Operation Kukan Kura,” a security initiative launched by the command, remains active throughout Kano State. He said the operation has enhanced police visibility, reduced response times to emergency calls and denied criminal elements the opportunity to regroup in identified flashpoints.

He also highlighted the impact of the recently established Violent Crime Response Unit, describing it as a key component of the command’s efforts to tackle armed violence and gang-related crimes.

“The Violent Crime Response Unit has sharpened our tactical response to armed violence and gang activity. Its intelligence and rapid-deployment functions have improved our ability to act swiftly on actionable information,” he stated.

Bakori assured residents that the command would continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements through intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and diligent prosecution of offenders.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Police Command to ensuring that criminality becomes increasingly difficult to perpetrate within the state.