The Kaduna State Police Command-led joint task force, in an intensified crackdown on criminal elements, has arrested 398 criminal suspects, recovered locally made pistol, other dangerous weapons and drugs in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Mansir Hassan said the arrest was sequel to the establishment of a Special Task Force by the Kaduna State Government.
The security task force comprise the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency, as well as the military, DSS, Civil defence, Nigeria Immigration, the Correctional Service, NDLEA, FRSC, Nigeria Customs, KADVIS and KASTLEA.
The police spokesperson said within the first nine days of operations, the combined efforts of security operatives led to the arrest of 398 suspects in different parts of the state.
DSP Hassan said the swift and targeted raids, based on credible intelligence, have not only led to arrests, but also forced many criminal elements to flee Kaduna State for fear of being caught.
“Among those apprehended is Matthew Adamu, a notorious criminal and gang leader known for terrorising communities whom a locally-made pistol was recovered from, and Adamu Umar, a well-known drug dealer whose case will be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
“In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the recovery of various dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and 29 stolen mobile handsets, some of which have already been returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification,” he added.
The Command assured the people of Kaduna State that the intelligence-led operations will continue relentlessly until the state is completely sanitised of all criminal elements.
In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Teams, and operatives attached to the Special Task Force have been placed on high alert and committed to restoring peace and order across the state.
Meanwhile, CP Muhammad has urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through their emergency contact lines.
