Eid-el-Kabir: Police arrest 27 suspected hoodlums in Niger

Authorities in Niger State, Nigeria, have arrested 27 individuals suspected of being hoodlums as part of efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The arrests were made during targeted raids on criminal hideouts and blackspots within the Suleja metropolis, spanning Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, and Niger states.

The operation, which took place on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., focused on areas known for criminal activity, including Kantoma, Babangida Market, and Panteka, colloquially known as “Jungle.” During these raids, police operatives recovered a significant cache of dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances. Items seized included mobile phones, ATM cards, fake identity cards, various locally made clubs, cutlasses, swords, axes, scissors, knives, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.

Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday. He detailed the suspects apprehended in the Panteka area and provided names and ages for several individuals from Niger and Katsina states. Further arrests included individuals from Kano and Yobe states, apprehended in different locations within Suleja. Abiodun also noted the arrest of individuals from Kaduna and Kano states near Kantoma area and Babangida Market, respectively, who were found in possession of suspected cannabis and other illicit substances.

All 27 suspects are currently in police custody undergoing investigation and interrogation to ascertain their involvement in criminal activities and identify any potential accomplices. The police plan to transfer the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution. The command assured residents that such raid operations would continue beyond the festive period to maintain public peace and security, urging the public to report any suspicious activities.

“

The Police Command assures that raid operations of identified hideouts and blackspots shall be sustained to ensure a peaceful festivity and beyond, while urging members of the public to report any suspicious situation.