The Kano State Police Command has arrested 248 suspects for various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking and violent public disturbances, within one month as part of intensified security operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

Bakori said the arrests were recorded between April 20 and May 20, 2026, through intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations, and collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

According to him, the suspects include 18 armed robbery suspects, five suspected kidnappers, 32 suspected drug dealers, 12 suspected motor vehicle thieves, 11 tricycle thieves, six motorcycle thieves and 15 suspected thieves.

He added that 149 suspects were also arrested for violent public disturbances in different parts of the state.

The police commissioner revealed that three kidnapped victims were rescued safely and reunited with their families during the period under review.

He explained that the command recovered several weapons and dangerous items, including one pistol, four locally made revolver guns, a locally made revolver pistol, a Dane gun and five cartridges.

Other recovered items included 232 cutlasses, 374 knives, 13 axes, 58 scissors, two bows, 23 arrows and 37 clubs, popularly known as “Gora”.

Bakori also said operatives recovered 923 parcels and 631 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, four cartons of suspected rubber solution, suspected Exol and Diazepam tablets, as well as seven motor vehicles, five tricycles and eight motorcycles.

He noted that all suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of due process.

The commissioner stated that Kano remained relatively peaceful despite security concerns recorded in areas such as Fagge, IBB Road and Hotoro Quarters, as well as along the Kano–Katsina border.

He said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies under the Joint Task Force, had strengthened deployments, intensified intelligence-led operations, and increased visibility policing to tackle emerging threats.

Bakori added that additional personnel and logistics had been deployed to border local government areas to prevent infiltration by criminal elements and improve rapid response capabilities.

He further disclosed that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit had become fully operational, enhancing the command’s response to armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking and other violent crimes.

The police commissioner commended Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting security agencies and promoting inter-agency collaboration in the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially.

Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional, accountable and community-oriented policing in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. (Nigerian Tribune)