The Kano State Police Command has smashed a notorious armed robbery syndicate that had been terrorising residents across Kano and neighbouring Kaduna State, arresting nine suspects and recovering a cache of weapons in a series of coordinated raids.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known on Monday during a press briefing in Kano, describing the arrests as a major victory in the command’s renewed crackdown on violent crime.
According to Bakori, the operation was launched after a violent robbery at Unguwar Wambai, Dorayi Babba Quarters, where a family was attacked in their home around 2 a.m. last Wednesday.
The gang reportedly carted away a Toyota Yaris, N3.7 million, mobile phones, and other valuables.
“Our swift response and coordinated intelligence gathering led to the arrest of one suspect initially,” Bakori said.
“Further investigations by the Special Intervention Squad enabled us to apprehend eight more gang members operating between Kano and Kaduna.”
The arrested suspects were identified as Abubakar Aminu (22), Aliyu Aliyu (23), Abubakar Usman (22), Sulaiman Sani (20), Yusuf Yusuf (17), Abdulrahman Aliyu (23), Salisu Hussaini (17), Sulaiman Abdullahi (20), and Abdulmutallib Sa’ad (24).
Police investigations revealed that the suspects had been involved in multiple robbery operations across Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja, including another violent attack in Dorayi Quarters.
Recovered items included a double-barrel gun, an English-made Falcon pistol, a scrapped Phoenix pistol, 18 live cartridges, cutlasses, knives, an iron cutter, torchlights, and a red Toyota Corolla allegedly used in their operations.
“The suspects have confessed to several robberies in different locations,” the commissioner added. “They will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.”
Bakori also credited the success of the operation to Operation Kukan Kura, the command’s community-driven crime prevention strategy, which he said has significantly reduced armed robbery, phone snatching, and street gang violence in Kano.
He commended the efforts of his officers and the cooperation of local communities in providing timely intelligence, stressing the importance of continued partnership between residents and security agencies.
“Kano is safer today because citizens are working hand in hand with the police,” he said. “We urge everyone to stay alert and report suspicious activities promptly.”
The police chief reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in the state.