The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 individuals, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a discreet investigation on charges related to sedition.
The arrests were made during the recent nationwide protests against rising hunger, where these individuals were allegedly seen flying Russian flags.
Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided an update on the situation on Monday, shedding light on the arrests and other efforts to maintain law and order in Kano State.
The nationwide protests, which have been marked by violent incidents in several areas, have posed significant challenges for law enforcement agencies across Nigeria.
Garba explained that the arrests were part of a broader operation to prevent the breakdown of law and order during the demonstrations.
“This press conference today aims to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidents that resulted in the wanton destruction and looting of government and public properties in Kano State,” he stated.
He went on to emphasize the importance of upholding peace and order during such turbulent times, noting that the protests had unfortunately been hijacked by hoodlums intent on causing chaos.
These individuals, according to Garba, used the protests as a cover to engage in criminal activities, including destruction, looting, and arson.
The Commissioner revealed that the police had arrested a total of 873 suspects in connection with various crimes committed during the protests.
Among these, 600 suspects have already been prosecuted for offences ranging from criminal conspiracy and incitement of disturbances to theft, mischief, and arson.
Additionally, 150 individuals were arrested and prosecuted for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government as part of efforts to curb the unrest.
Garba also disclosed that six suspects are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP).
The KPP, along with other public and private properties, was targeted by vandals during the protests, resulting in significant damage.
In addition to the arrests related to the protests, the Commissioner highlighted other major achievements by the Kano State Police Command in combating crime.
“Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, it is important to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Police Command in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review,” he said.
These achievements include the arrest of 41 suspects involved in serious crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft. Notably, the police recovered two AK-47 rifles and a substantial amount of looted property from the suspects.
These items were stolen from various locations, including the Audu Bako Secretariat, the National Communications Commission (NCC) office, High Court complexes, and supermarkets.
Garba further detailed the Command’s success in apprehending two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight individuals suspected of car theft.
In addition, two human trafficking suspects were arrested, along with 23 members of the notorious ‘Yan Daba’ gang—a local criminal group known for terrorizing communities.
The police also rescued 13 trafficking victims during the period under review.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of proactive policing and community engagement in achieving these successes.
He reassured residents of Kano State that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property, despite the challenges posed by the recent unrest.
The transfer of the 76 suspects to Abuja underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are handling the situation.
The inclusion of a foreign national among those arrested has raised concerns about the potential involvement of external influences in the protests.
