Police Arrest 345 Suspects, Recover 270 Weapons in Kano Crackdown

The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested 345 suspects and recovered 270 dangerous weapons during a three-day statewide operation aimed at tackling thuggery, drug trafficking and other violent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, , disclosed this  during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

Bakori said the operation, conducted between June 5 and June 7, covered all 44 Local Government Areas of the state and targeted identified criminal hideouts, black spots and drug distribution centres.

According to him, the exercise was carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, , to intensify intelligence-led operations against criminal networks across the country.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 345 suspects, including suspected thugs, drug peddlers and individuals found in possession of offensive weapons. All suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established,” he said.

The commissioner said operatives also recovered 270 dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses, clubs and other implements allegedly used in perpetrating violence.

He added that a substantial quantity of suspected illicit substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol tablets and a dangerous mixture popularly known as “Suck and Die”, was seized during the operation.

Bakori said the recoveries had significantly reduced the capacity of criminal elements to threaten public safety and destabilise communities.

He attributed the success of the operation to the Command’s ongoing “Operation Kukan Kura” and the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to him, Operation Kukan Kura has enhanced police visibility, improved response time to distress calls and denied criminals freedom of operation in identified flashpoints across the state.

He explained that the VCRU had strengthened the command’s tactical response to armed violence and gang-related activities through improved intelligence gathering and rapid deployment capabilities.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s determination to sustain the fight against criminality, stressing that no form of crime would be tolerated in Kano State.

“As I stated on assumption of duty, no form of criminality will be entertained in Kano State. We will continue to apply the law firmly and fairly against thuggery, drug trafficking and all forms of violent crimes,” he said.

Bakori noted that available data and feedback from communities indicated a decline in crime rates in several parts of the state, attributing the development to sustained security operations, improved intelligence sharing and the professionalism of police personnel.

He commended the Kano State Government for its support to security agencies and expressed appreciation to residents for providing useful information that had aided crime-fighting efforts.

The commissioner urged members of the public to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities through the nearest police station or emergency communication channels.

He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities, saying the command would continue to intensify raids, intelligence-led operations and prosecution of offenders.

“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and sustaining the downward trend in crime across the state,” he said.