CP Bakori and A.A. Zaura during the event

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

No fewer than 357 notorious thugs and drug peddlers, addicts have been arrested in Kano state in the last two months.

A greater percentage of those arrested are youths who were wasting their time and talents doing drugs and committing crimes on the streets.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori who revealed this on Sunday, during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting organized at the instance of “From Street To Straight Project-end Thuggery Crisis In Kano State,” under the auspices of A.A. Zaura Foundation, said the use of technology and collaboration with sister-security agencies were helpful in arresting the suspects.

The event was chaired by the President of A.A. Zaura Foundation, A.A. Zaura, a former Kano governorship aspirant cum business mogul, who has channelled part of his human development initiatives towards the social and economic emancipation of the youths.

“Through community engagements, sustained operations, synergy with other security agencies, intelligence processing and use of technology, we have successfully arrested a total of 357 individuals involved in thuggery, drug dealings, and other violent crimes,” CP Bakori said.

According to him, along with the arrests, police recovered firearms, dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and stolen properties that were contributing to the cycle of violence and crime in Kano communities.

The  Kano Police boss further traced the roots of thuggery and drug abuse to socio-economic factors, lack of opportunities, and inadequate support systems.

“No doubt, programmes like this will provide alternatives for our youths to live a better life and will improve the security and safety of everyone living in Kano State.

“This non-kinetic initiative of taking the youths off the street is a commendable project that aligns with our efforts to promote community policing and reduce crimes.

“We believe that rehabilitation and empowerment are essential in addressing the root causes of thuggery and substance abuse.

“As we deliberate on sustainable actions and collaborative frameworks to address thuggery, I urge us to consider the following: community-based approaches to rehabilitation and empowerment; collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, the media and civil society organizations; economic empowerment and job creation for at-risk youths; public awareness campaigns to promote positive societal values,” he added.

CP Bakori expressed confidence that the event would provide a platform for meaningful discussions and actionable recommendations, as he looked forward to working together with all stakeholders to curb the menace of thuggery and substance abuse in Kano.

CP Bakori maintained that: “Thuggery (Fadan Yan Daba) and substance abuse are some of the most common issues of concern in our State. In spite of the sustained efforts by the police and other security agencies to curb these vices, it is still imperative that we collectively work together to address this issue firmly, decisively, and objectively.

“The Kano State Police Command recognises the critical role community stakeholders play in shaping societal values and promoting peace and stability.

“When I assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police in the State, exactly two months today, the state was carefully studied and crime mapped.

The analysis conducted made it clear that addressing major crimes, particularly the notorious “Fadan Daba” and drug abuse, must be our top priorities.

“These challenges not only threaten the safety and security of our communities but also jeopardise the future of our youth.

“In response to these, we developed a strategic action plan, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on community-oriented policing in addressing security challenges.”