The Kano State Police Command on Sunday said that it had arrested 69 cattle rustlers and other notorious armed robbers in the last one month.

Its Commissioner, Mr. Muhammad Katsina, disclosed this when he visited Gidan-Kare village in Sumaila Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the village had been deserted by residents due to incessant attacks by armed bandits.

NAN also reports that the police commissioner was in the village to assess the security situation and map out strategies to rid the area of the menace.

Katsina said that of the number arrested, 46 suspects were among the most wanted armed bandits in the area, while the remaining 23 suspects were arrested for cattle rustling.

According to him, the police have also recovered 20 goats and sheep, 31 rifles and pistols, 240 cartridges of ammunition and 68 cattle out of which 30 had been returned to their owners.

Katsina also said that the police had apprehended a notorious leader of an armed robbery gang popularly known as Datti Rodi in Gani village.

“The gang leader has about 200 members who have been terrorizing the community.”

He said that the suspects were cooperating with the police in their investigations and that they would soon be charged to court.

The police chief attributed the successes recorded within just one month to the resilience of his men and the continuous onslaught on the hoodlums.

The commissioner called on those who fled their villages due to the activities of armed bandits to return as the command had put in place measures to ensure safety of their lives and property.

He said that the command would soon deploy more policemen to the villages to enhance security.

“By our intervention, the deserted villages of Karasa, Murmushi, Gomo, Burum-burum, Gani, Masu, Sitti and other surrounding villages have now been secured.

“This has encouraged the people to return to their respective villages.” (NAN)

*Photo shows Police logo.

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