500 Criminals fall as Kano Taskforce storms hideouts, seizes drugs worth millions

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

In a sweeping crackdown that has sent shockwaves through Kano’s underworld, the state’s Taskforce on Security Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has arrested over 500 wanted criminals and confiscated illicit drugs worth millions of Naira.

The stunning revelation came from the Chairman of the Taskforce, Yusuf Kofar Mata, who also serves as the Commissioner for Science and Technology.

He made the explosive announcement on Sunday during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting at the Sani Abacha Indoor Sports Hall — attended by Kano State’s top security brass, including the Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, and Deputy Governor Comrade Abdussalam Gwarzo.

“These individuals were on the police wanted list,” Kofar Mata declared, confirming that the suspects were nabbed in connection with thuggery and drug-related crimes that have plagued communities across the state.

In a jaw-dropping disclosure, the Taskforce — which operates with a formidable coalition of security agencies including the Police, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, Immigration, Correctional Service, and vigilante groups — recently captured 75 hardened criminals in a single night raid, as they tried to slip through the cracks.

“Due to the resurgence of thuggery and drug trafficking, we have identified criminal hideouts and dangerous spots across all eight metropolitan LGAs,” Kofar Mata added, urging community leaders to rally behind the Taskforce’s efforts.

Speaking with authority and urgency, Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo commended the Taskforce’s relentless efforts, describing them as a “bold response” to Kano’s deepening security crisis.

“The Committee’s efforts are yielding positive results, and I am encouraged by the progress made so far. Furthermore, we must recognize that the security of our communities is a shared responsibility,” Gwarzo said.

He paid glowing tribute to the security agencies and stakeholders working “tirelessly, often at great personal risk,” and called on citizens to embrace the government’s sweeping reforms, especially youth-targeted empowerment and education programmes designed to crush crime at its roots.

“The threats to our security — particularly thuggery (Daba) and drug abuse — are ever-evolving, and it is imperative that we adopt a proactive rather than reactive stance,” he warned.

Also speaking, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori outlined the coordinated battle plan that has already begun to dismantle Kano’s notorious street gangs and drug syndicates.

“We’ve arrested one hundred and fifty (150) individuals involved in thuggery and other violent crimes, recovered dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and stolen properties,” Bakori revealed.

He stressed that the fight must extend beyond law enforcement, calling for “robust collaboration” between government, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders.

“When we work together with people’s support and cooperation, there will be no more Daba in Kano,” he vowed.

The meeting closed with a call for renewed vigilance, community participation, and support for youth development initiatives — a united front against the rising tide of criminality in the state.