The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects during separate operations targeting drug abuse and thuggery in parts of the state.
The command said the operations were carried out on Wednesday, September 9, by operatives attached to Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari police divisions.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command said the operations were based on intelligence received from members of the public.
“At about 2:30pm, operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division intercepted eight suspects at a black spot in the area,” he said.
The police said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“The suspects are currently in police custody while investigators work to establish the source of the drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate,” he added.
In a separate operation, police officers attached to Kunchi/Ghari Division conducted a market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market between 1pm and 9pm.
The command said the market had been identified as an area where some youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market activities.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah, Haruna Isah, Habu Badamasi, Gambo Ya’u and Abubakar Dahiru.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers for what he described as their swift response and professionalism.
Bakori said the command would continue to intensify operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes across the state.
“We will continue to be proactive. We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities,” the commissioner said.
The command also thanked residents, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that helped the police carry out the operations.