By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 26 suspected social miscreants in a major overnight operation aimed at restoring order in the state capital.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday.

He said the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of April 14, during an intelligence-driven raid targeting identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the Katsina metropolis.

“The operation, led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, focused on dismantling gangs linked to public disturbances and unlawful activities,” he explained.

Sadiq-Aliyu added that the suspects were believed to be involved in offences ranging from gang-related activities to public nuisance.

According to him, items recovered during the raid include live ammunition, a sword, two cutlasses, a knife, sticks, a saw, and six suspected stolen mobile phones.

The police spokesperson added that other exhibits recovered were substances suspected to be Indian hemp, 500 Exol tablets, and a pair of military camouflage shirts.

“All the 26 suspects have been charged to court following the conclusion of investigations,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated.

He added that while commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on criminal elements across the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance crime prevention and ensure public safety.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on the same April 14, Gov. Dikko Radda signed an executive order banning thuggery (Kauraye and Sara-suka) across the metropolis. (NAN)