Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Niger State have arrested 27 suspected hoodlums during raids on criminal hideouts in Suleja as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The operation targeted identified blackspots, including Kantoma area, Babangida Market and Panteka, popularly known as “Jungle.”
Police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, said dangerous weapons and suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, items recovered include 15 mobile phones, ATM cards, fake identity cards, clubs locally known as “gora,” cutlasses, swords, axes, knives, scissors and suspected cannabis.
Abiodun said the suspects were arrested from different states, including Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe and Niger.
He disclosed that all the suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities and possible links with other gangs.
The police spokesman added that the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution after investigations.
He assured residents that the command would sustain raids on criminal hideouts beyond the festive season to maintain peace and security across the state.
“The Police Command assures that raid operations of identified hideouts and blackspots shall be sustained to ensure a peaceful festivity and beyond,” he stated.
