By Muhammad Aminu
No fewer than 45 suspected thugs were arrested by police in Kano metropolis trying to cause mayhem and rob unsuspecting passersby, thereby disrupting public peace and stability in the state.
In a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said they recovered weapons and illicit drugs from the thugs.
According to Kiyawa, the suspects were planning to terrorise the public when Operations Puff Adder sorrounded the area after a distress call from good-spirited individuals.
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.
“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 Diso, 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, 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.”
Kano City has been witnessing upsurge of thuggery including phone snatching and attacks on passersby although police claims to be taking control of the situation.
Analysts say thug activities are likely to increase in the State as we approach 2023 general election as politicians exploit jobless youths in advancing their political interests.
According to SP Kiyawa, the Commissioner of Police directed for discreet investigation into the activities of the thugs prior to their prosecution in the Court.
While commending residents for volunteering information to the Police, he called for support from the general public to rid the State of criminals and their criminalities.
