The Kano State Police Command has arrested 248 suspects over various criminal activities in the state as part of a month-long security crackdown.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, announced the figures on Wednesday during a briefing on the security situation in the state.
He said the arrests were achieved through intelligence-led policing, coordinated raids and joint operations with other security agencies under the Joint Task Force.
Among those arrested were 18 suspected armed robbers, five kidnappers, 32 drug traffickers, 12 suspected car thieves, 11 tricycle thieves, six motorcycle thieves, and 15 other theft suspects. A further 149 individuals were arrested for involvement in violent disturbances.
The police also rescued three kidnapped victims, who have since been safely reunited with their families.
Adamu-Bakori said operatives recovered firearms including pistols, a locally made revolver, a dane gun and ammunition, alongside a wide range of other offensive weapons.
He listed additional recoveries as 232 cutlasses, 374 knives, 13 axes, 58 scissors, bows, arrows and clubs, as well as suspected drugs such as cannabis sativa, rubber solution, diazepam and Exol tablets.
Authorities also recovered seven vehicles, five tricycles, eight motorcycles, mobile phones and SIM cards during the operations.
“All the suspects are undergoing thorough investigation and will be charged to court upon completion in accordance with due process,” the commissioner stated.
He said security has been reinforced in key areas of Kano metropolis, including Panshekara, IBB Road and Hotoro, following recent incidents of violence and criminal activity.
According to him, additional deployments have been made to strengthen border surveillance and improve rapid response capabilities across the state.
The commissioner highlighted the impact of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), established under directives linked to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan-Disu, noting its role in improving emergency response to serious crimes.
He also confirmed that the unit operates a 24-hour hotline for emergency reporting.
Adamu-Bakori stressed that the command is deepening community policing through engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to address crime at its roots.
He commended the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for its continued support to security agencies.
Residents were encouraged to provide credible intelligence, with assurances that all information would be handled confidentially to aid ongoing security operations.
