Kano State Task Force Raids Criminal Hideouts, Arrests Over 80 in Anti-Drug, Anti-Thuggery Operation
By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The Kano State task force Committee for the Restoration of Peace and youth rehabilitation has on Saturday successfully raided multiple criminal hideouts, arresting more than 80 suspects involved in drug abuse and violent activities.
The coordinated operations took place in the “Research” pit at Bulbula Gayawa in Nasarawa Local Government Area and at Kofar Wambai within Kano city.
The committee, established by the Kano State Government, is a multi-agency task force that includes the Police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and other security bodies.
Speaking with our correspondent , the committee’s chairman and Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Yusuf Kofar Mata, revealed that eight key suspects linked to recent unrest in Dan Agundi and Kofar Na’isa were arrested and will be prosecuted.
He noted that the arrests were based on credible intelligence that pointed to planned attacks in the areas.
“We received reports of unrest and discovered that some individuals who oppose peace were behind the chaos. They were even being supplied with weapons. We swiftly moved in and arrested them,” Dr. Kofar Mata said.
“One suspect’s father even tried to hide him, so we arrested both of them. This is a message that no one will be spared.”
Dr. Kofar Mata emphasized that the committee would not grant bail to any of the suspects and urged parents and religious leaders to support government efforts to restore peace and promote moral values among youth.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, who led the operation, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stating that officers thoroughly searched neighborhoods and underground pits to apprehend criminals.
He said investigations were ongoing, and the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.
The NDLEA Director in Kano, CN AI Ahmad, confirmed the seizure of marijuana and other dangerous substances used to influence youths.
He added that suspects would be assessed, with some undergoing rehabilitation while others face prosecution.
“The Governor has given us a mandate not just to arrest, but also to rehabilitate. Many of these individuals will be evaluated to determine who needs treatment and who should be prosecuted,” Sadiq stated.
Representing the Kano State Correctional Services, Musbahu Kofar Na’isa disclosed that over 300 individuals previously arrested by the committee have already been tried and convicted, with some undergoing rehabilitation in custody.
The operations received widespread praise from local residents in Bulbula and Gayawa, who came out in celebration following the arrests.
Many expressed relief, stating that the criminals had made life unbearable and endangered their children’s future.
“We couldn’t sleep peacefully before. We thank God and the security agencies for cleaning up our community,” said one resident.
Civil society groups, including The Elevators Initiative for Community Peace, also took part in the operation to observe and ensure accountability.
The group’s director, Mansur Kurugu, commended the professionalism of the security operatives and called for more focus on youth reformation and long-term community development.
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to stamping out drug abuse and thuggery, promising continued action to protect lives and restore peace across the state.
