The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 61 suspected political thugs in the state on Wednesday.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa said in a statement that the suspects were nabbed in furtherance of the command’s bid to rid Kano of all forms of criminality during political campaigns.
The police spokesman said that the arrests were made on Wednesday, hours after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held its mega presidential campaign rally in the state.
According to him, the arrests followed a directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, who earlier declared war on political thugs to ensure peaceful election process in the coming months.
“The suspects were arrested on Jan. 4, during political campaign clearance operations conducted during a political activity at Sani Abacha Stadium Kano,” Kiyawa’s statement read in part.
The police spokesman said items recovered from the suspects include 33 knives, eight cutlasses, four scissors, a parcel and 117 wraps of suspected Indian hemp.
Other items, he said, are three bottles of Suck and Die, 500 Exol Tablets and bunch of charms.
“All suspects will be charged to court,” he added.