The operatives of the Kano Police State Command have arrested 45 suspected thugs who were trying to cause mayhem and rob unsuspecting passersby in Kano metropolis.

This was made known via a statement issued on Monday by the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa.

According to Kiyawa, the suspects were planning to terrorise the public when Operations Puff Adder surrounded the area after a distress call from good-spirited individuals.

He stated that the police also recovered weapons and illicit drugs from the arrested suspects.

The statement read in part: “Forty-five (45) suspected thugs (‘Yan Daba) were arrested with dangerous weapons and large quantity of illicit drugs. Suspects confessed that, they were invited from different parts of Kano Metropolis in name(sic)of attending a wedding ceremony, and converged at “Filin Mahaha” smoking and taking different types of illicit drugs.

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“On the 26/06/2022 at about 1300hrs, reports were received through the command’s emergency numbers; 08032419754 and 08123821575, that groups of thugs (‘Yan Daba) in large number with dangerous weapons were sighted blocking Kofar Na’isa and Kwanar Disu, Gwale LGA Kano in an attempt to attack and rob members of the public especially passersby and road users.

“On receipt of the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, fsi raised and instructed teams of Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Bashir Musa Gwadabe to proceed to the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off and the thugs trapped at “Filin Mahaha.”

Kiyawa added that the state Commissioner of Police has directed discreet investigation into the activities of the thugs prior to their prosecution in court.

While commending the residents for volunteering information to the police, he called for the general public’s support to rid Kano State of criminals.

Kano City has been witnessing upsurge of thuggery including phone snatching and attacks on passersby, although police claimed to be in control of the situation.

Analysts said thugs’ activities are likely to increase in the state ahead of the 2023 general election as politicians exploit jobless youths in advancing their political interests.

The Star