By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Police Command in Kaduna State, said on Friday that its special task force has detained no fewer than 398 suspected criminals across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Kaduna.

Hassan also disclosed that one locally made pistol, 29 handsets, dangerous weapons and drugs were recovered in nine days by a Police-led Joint Task Force cracking down on criminals across the state.

Hassan said, “This is sequel to the establishment of a special task force by the Kaduna State Government.

“It comprises the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency, the military, DSS, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration, the Correctional Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety and the Nigeria Customs Service, among others.

“Within the first nine days of operations, the combined efforts of the security operatives had led to the arrest of 398 suspects in different parts of the state.

” The swift and targeted raids, based on credible intelligence, had not only led to arrests but had also reportedly forced many criminal elements to flee out of Kaduna State for the fear of being caught.”

The spokesperson said among those apprehended was Mathew Adamu, a notorious criminal and gang leader known for terrorising communities, whom a locally made Pistol was recovered from.

Those nabbed included Adamu Umar, a well-known drug dealer, whose case would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

“In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the recovery of various dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and 29 stolen mobile handsets.

“Some of the recovered items had already been returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification,” Hassan said.

He assured the people of the state that the clampdown was only the beginning, as raids and intelligence-led operations would continue relentlessly until the state was completely sanitised of all criminal elements.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, all DPOs, tactical teams, and operatives attached to the task force remain on high alert and committed to restoring peace and order across the state.

“The CP urge members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency contact lines,” Hassan said. (NAN)