The Kano State Police Command says it arrested 345 suspects and recovered 270 dangerous weapons during a three-day statewide operation aimed at combating thuggery, drug trafficking and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
Bakori said the operation, conducted between June 5 and June 7, covered all the 44 Local Government Areas of the state and targeted identified black spots, criminal hideouts and drug distribution centres.
He said the operation was intelligence-led and carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to dismantle criminal networks, intercept weapons and disrupt drug supply chains.
According to him, the 345 suspects arrested include suspected thugs, drug peddlers and persons 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 exhibits recovered during the operation included 270 dangerous weapons such as knives, cutlasses, clubs and other implements commonly used in violent crimes.
He added that a substantial quantity of suspected illicit drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol tablets and a dangerous mixture locally known as “Suck and Die”, was also seized.
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 two major initiatives of the command, namely Operation Kukan Kura and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
According to him, Operation Kukan Kura has strengthened visibility policing across the state, improved response time to distress calls and denied criminals the opportunity to operate freely in identified flashpoints.
He said the recently established VCRU had enhanced 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 commitment to tackling all forms of criminality in the state.
“No form of criminality will be tolerated in Kano State. The command will continue to apply the law firmly and fairly against thuggery, drug trafficking and violent crimes,” he said.
Bakori noted that available crime data and feedback from communities indicated a decline in criminal activities in several parts of the state.
He attributed the development to sustained operational pressure, improved intelligence sharing and the professionalism of police personnel.
The police commissioner commended the Kano State Government for its support and cooperation, which he said had enhanced the command’s operational effectiveness.
He also appreciated residents of the state for their vigilance and willingness to provide useful information to security agencies.
Bakori urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
He warned criminal elements involved in violence and illicit drug activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
“Kano is no longer a safe operating environment for criminals. The command will sustain raids, intelligence-led operations and prosecutions until criminality becomes untenable,” he said.
Bakori reaffirmed the commitment of the command to protecting lives and property, strengthening community engagement and sustaining the downward trend in crime across the state.