The Niger State Police Command has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums during raids carried out across Suleja as part of security measures ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to the police, the operation targeted criminal hideouts and blackspots believed to be used by suspected thugs and other individuals linked to public disturbances.
The raids were conducted on Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon in areas including Kantoma, Babangida Market, and the Panteka area popularly known as “Jungle.”
Police said several dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances were recovered during the exercise. Items seized included clubs locally called “gora,” cutlasses, swords, axes, knives, scissors, fake identity cards, ATM cards, mobile phones, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.
The spokesperson for the command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday.
He explained that some of the suspects were arrested in the Panteka area, while others were picked up around Kantoma, Suleja Club, Madalla Road, and Babangida Market.
According to the police, the suspects are from different states including Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, and Niger.
Abiodun stated that those arrested are currently in custody undergoing interrogation and investigation to determine their involvement in criminal activities and identify possible accomplices.
He added that the suspects would later be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The police assured residents that similar operations would continue even after the festive period as part of efforts to maintain security and public order across the state.
The command also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information that could help security agencies prevent crime and respond quickly to suspicious activities.
