248 crime suspects arrested in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Police in Kano have arrested no fewer than 248 suspects who engaged in various crimes and criminal activities, within a period of one month.

Those arrested include 18 armed robbery suspects; five suspected kidnappers; 32 suspected drug dealers; 12 suspected motor vehicle thieves; 11 tricycle thieves; six motorcycle thieves; 15 suspected thieves; and 149 suspects for violent public disturbance.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who briefed journalists, on Wednesday, also hinted that police rescued three kidnap victims and reunited them with their families.

Exhibits recovered during the period under review include: one pistol; four locally made revolver guns; a locally made revolver pistol; a dane gun and five cartridges; 232 cutlasses and 374 knives; 13 axes; 58 scissors; two bows and 23 arrows; 37 clubs (Gora); 923 parcels and 631 wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa.

Others include: four cartons of suspected rubber solutions; five packets and 291 pieces of suspected Exol tablets; 20 sachets and 513 pieces of suspected Diazepam tablets; seven motor vehicles; five tricycles; eight motorcycles; 34 mobile phones and 36 sim cards.

Mr. Bakori said the achievements were in line with the professional, accountable, and community-centric policing directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which placed premium on transparency, public trust, and proactive service delivery.

According to the Kano police boss: “Kano state remains relatively calm and peaceful, owing to sustained operational and community engagement efforts.

“However, within the period under review, the Command observed some noticeable social crimes and violent incidents in parts of the metropolis, notably: Fagge, IBB Road, and Hotoro Quarters. Security concerns were also noted along the Kano-Katsina State border.

“In response, the Command, working with other security agencies under the Joint Task Force (JTF), modified its strategy with increased deployment, intensified intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, and visibility policing.

“These coordinated actions have disrupted criminal networks, restored calm to affected areas, and strengthened public confidence.

“Furthermore, additional personnel and logistics have been deployed to border Local Government Areas as buffer against any possible infiltration and to enhance rapid response capability.”

He said all the suspects are undergoing thorough investigation and will be charged to court upon completion, in accordance with due process.

Mr. Bakori also spoke on the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to him, the VCRU is fully operational and has significantly enhanced the Command’s capacity for rapid response to complaints of armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, and other violent crimes.

“This aligns with the IGP’s directive on responsive and intelligence-led policing. The Unit remains accessible 24 hours everyday via 08032174478 and 09011473306,” he added.

Mr. Bakori further stated that: “In compliance with the IGP’s policy, the Command has intensified supervision to ensure officers exhibit the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and accountability in all engagements with the public. Disciplinary mechanisms have been strengthened to address misconduct promptly and transparently.

“We have expanded structured engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and community-based organizations. These platforms are being used to address the root causes of crime, promote trust, and mobilize community support for policing initiatives.”

According to him, police is
collaborating with the military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante groups in deepening oint patrols and real-time intelligence sharing on security concerns along the border Local Government Areas to prevent the movement of armed criminals into the state.

Mr. Bakori expressed profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his consistent support and commitment to inter-agency synergy and public safety.

“I also acknowledge the professionalism and cooperation of sister security agencies, whose collaboration has been instrumental to our successes.

“To the people of Kano, I reaffirm that security is a shared responsibility. I urge you to continue providing timely and credible information through our control room lines 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or the VCRU hotlines. All information will be handled with strict confidentiality.

“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to delivering professional, accountable, and people-centered policing in line with the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police. The achievements recorded in the last month reflect the impact of proactive operations, inter-agency synergy, and community partnership.

“We will sustain this momentum. Kano State will remain safe, secure, and unconducive for criminal activity,” he stated.