The Kano State Police Command has arrested 873 suspects in connection with various criminal activities, following a series of nationwide protests in early August.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba, during a briefing at the Bompai police headquarters on Monday.
CP Garba detailed the arrests, noting that 600 suspects were detained for their involvement in riots, while 76 others were apprehended for displaying Russian flags during the protests on August 1st.
The Commissioner also mentioned the arrest of six individuals accused of orchestrating the looting of the Kano Printing Press, along with 150 suspects for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government.
An additional 41 suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and car theft.
“The Kano State Police Command has worked diligently and professionally to address the aftermath of the August 1st to 10th nationwide protest,” CP Garba stated. He emphasized that these efforts have led to the recovery of a large quantity of stolen property and the arrest of those responsible for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, incitement, theft, and arson.
Garba highlighted the specific arrests, noting, “We have arrested and prosecuted 600 suspects for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. Additionally, 150 suspects were detained for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government, and six suspects linked to the looting and arson at the Kano Printing Press are currently under investigation.”
The Commissioner also mentioned the arrest of 76 individuals, including a foreign national, who were caught flying Russian flags during the protests. These suspects have been transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition.
In addition to the protest-related arrests, CP Garba reported that 41 suspects were detained for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft. The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles and a significant amount of stolen property, including items looted from the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and several supermarkets.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent protests, CP Garba commended the efforts of the Kano State Police Command in maintaining law and order. He noted that the Command had achieved significant success in crime prevention, management, and control through proactive policing strategies and community engagement.
The Commissioner assured the public that no casualties were recorded during the protests in Kano State, reaffirming the police’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents.
