Not fewer than 500 wanted criminals and their dangerous weapons have been arrested by a combined taskforce setup by the State Government to ensure the sanitization of Kano city from social vices.
The Chairman of the taskforce on Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation, who also doubles as the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Yusuf Kofar Mata, said they arrested the suspected criminals who engaged in various thuggery and drug related activities in some parts of the state and who are on the wanted lists of the Police.
The Taskforce comprised of the Police, DSS, National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Correctional Service, Immigration, Vigilante and Government Officials, said in a one night operation they arrested 75 other hardened criminals who are trying to flee.
The Chairman of the Taskforce on Peace Restoration and Youths Rehabilitation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim announced this in Kano, at a security stakeholders engagement on Strengthening Security Models of the Northern commercial city, Sunday.
He noted that due to the resurgence of thuggery activities and drug dealings in the state, the committee was able to identify, dangerous spots and hideouts of criminals in many communities in the 8 metropolitan council areas.
He called on the community leaders to continue giving support to the committee in other to improve safety of lives and properties of the citizens.
Ibrahim noted that, the security stakeholders meeting was critical in fostering peace and tranquility in the state.
The Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam while commending successes of the committee said, the establishment of the Taskforce Committee was a testament to the Government's resolve to tackle the security challenges facing facing the State.
He said, “this workshop marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward ensuring peace and stability in Kano State; a goal that is not merely desirable but essential for the prosperity and progress of our great State.”
The Deputy Governor while acknowledging that security cannot be achieved in isolation, emphasized the need to strengthen the fabric of security in Kano State which demands robust collaboration among various stakeholders, especially security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community representatives, and, the citizens.
“We must recognize that the security of our communities is a shared responsibility.”
Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Bakori said, the synergy among the security agencies has yielded results through intelligence led operations.
He appealed to the state government to establish a special court to try and prosecute thugs, phone snatchers and drug dealers.
CP Bakori said, “we developed a comprehensive action plan to tackle these issues head-on. I'm delighted to report that our efforts are yielding significant results. We've arrested one hundred and fifty (150) individuals involved in thuggery and other violent crimes, recovered dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and stolen properties.”
“In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, our respected Traditional Rulers, particularly Ward Heads (Masu Unguwanni), play a vital role in community policing. They're close to the public and can provide valuable insights into local security dynamics.”
The State Commander National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abubakar Idris commended the synergy between the security agencies in their operations calling for more in addressing the security challenges.
