The arrest was conducted during a three day operation to rid communities of criminal elements.
KaNo —
The Kano State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 345 suspected thugs, drug peddlers and persons found with offensive weapons across the state.
The state Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Bakori, stated the figures while addressing a news conference on the security situation in the state on Monday.
The commissioner said the suspects were apprehended during a three-day coordinated clearance operation across the state’s 44 local government areas.
According to him, the targeted operations were aimed at dismantling criminal networks, intercepting weapons, and disrupting drug supply chains.
“I have convened this briefing to update the people of Kano State on the current security situation, to present the results of our recent statewide operation, and to reaffirm the command’s commitment to consolidating the gains we are recording” he said
“During the operations, a total of 345 suspects were taken into custody, including suspected thugs, drug peddlers, and persons found with offensive weapons. All the suspects are undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted where evidence warrants,” he added
He disclosed that no fewer than 270 dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses, clubs, and other implements used to perpetrate violence, were recovered from the hoodlums.
Similarly, he said, a substantial quantity of suspected illicit substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol tablets, and the lethal mixture known locally as “Suck and Die”, were also recovered from the suspects during the operations.
The CP noted that these seizures had directly reduced the capacity of criminal groups to harm law-abiding citizens and destabilize communities.
“The Violent Crime Response Unit, which was recently launched, has sharpened our tactical response to armed violence and gang activity. Its intelligence and rapid-deployment functions have improved our ability to act swiftly on actionable information,” he said
He added that the command will maintain sustained pressure through raids, intelligence operations, and prosecution until criminality becomes untenable.
34 Lives Saved, 13 Dead In May-Kano Fire Service
The Kano State Fire Service said it saved 34 lives and property worth over ₦437m during various emergency operations carried out across the state in May 2026.
The service, however, disclosed that 13 persons lost their lives during the period in incidents ranging from fire outbreaks and road accidents to drowning and well-related accidents.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the service responded to 58 fire incidents, 15 rescue operations and seven false alarm calls between May 1 and May 31, 2026.
The statement noted that the operations were carried out through the agency’s 30 fire stations spread across the 44 local government areas of the state under the leadership of the Director, Alhaji Sani Anas.
It added that the emergency responses covered various sectors and communities across the state.
Giving a breakdown of the operations, the agency said 13 persons lost their lives during the period under review, while 34 others were successfully rescued from different emergencies.
According to the statement, the fatalities resulted from fire outbreaks, road traffic accidents and incidents involving ponds and wells.
The agency further revealed that property worth an estimated ₦144.01m was destroyed by fire and other emergencies during the month.
Commenting on the performance of the service, the Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, described the figures as a reflection of the commitment of firefighters across the state.
“Our personnel remained on duty throughout the month, responding to emergencies across communities in Kano State. The 34 lives saved and the huge value of property preserved demonstrate the importance of prompt emergency response,” he said
Anas expressed concern over the number of fatalities recorded during the month, saying many of the incidents could have been prevented through greater public awareness and adherence to safety precautions.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of 13 lives. Many of these incidents are avoidable if residents observe basic safety measures and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities,” he added
“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. We appeal to members of the public to handle electrical appliances, cooking equipment and flammable materials with care. Property and lives can be protected when safety measures are strictly observed,” he said.
He also called on residents to ensure that wells and ponds are properly secured to prevent accidents, particularly involving children and vulnerable persons.
“We have recorded several rescue operations involving wells and water bodies. Parents, guardians and community leaders should ensure that abandoned wells are covered and dangerous areas properly secured,” Anas said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to protecting lives and property through emergency response, public enlightenment and preventive safety campaigns.
“The Kano State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through prompt emergency response, public awareness and preventive safety measures across the state,” he added.
