Police have arrested 527 suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons, illicit drugs, and other exhibits in a sweeping crackdown on crime across Kano, Ogun, and Katsina states. In Kano State, the police arrested 193 suspects during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts conducted between April 10 and 12. The operation, carried out across the state’s 11 area commands on the directive of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, was aimed at strengthening proactive policing.

Police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said items recovered included 51 cutlasses, 15 knives, 41 clubs, 72 bottles of rubber solution, 69 sachets of pregabalin, 259 Exol tablets, and a large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. UniAbuja decries land encroachment, set to graduate 12,624 Ex- PTDF boss, Rabe, declares for Katsina Senate seat He added that investigations are ongoing, while patrols and surveillance in identified hotspots have been intensified. In Ogun State, 146 suspects were arrested in a sweeping security operation code-named “Operation Keep Sagamu Safe,” targeting black spots and criminal flashpoints in Sagamu and surrounding areas.

The operation, described as intelligence-driven, involved collaboration between the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Ogun State Community Security (So-Safe) Corps, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said suspects are undergoing screening, with those found culpable to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta for prosecution. Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the inter-agency collaboration and assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain security across the state.

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, the police rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested 188 suspects linked to 120 criminal cases over the past month. According to spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the command also recovered seven firearms, including AK-47 and PKT rifles, 974 rounds of live ammunition, 30 rustled animals, and five motorcycles used in criminal activities. He said all rescued victims have been medically examined and reunited with their families, while recovered exhibits remain in police custody as evidence.

Aliyu noted that intensified patrols, targeted raids, and strengthened community policing initiatives have improved intelligence gathering and enhanced public safety, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. From Sani Ibrahim Paki (Kano), Eugene Agha (Lagos) and Ibrahim Musa Giginyu (Katsina)