The police in Sokoto have arrested 27 hoodlums otherwise known as 'Area Boys' in a massive clampdown and raid of their hideouts in the state.

Among those arrested included kingpin of a gang Aliyu Yaro who had been on the police wanted list for over eight years.

Police Public Relations Officer Sokoto Command, DSP Cordelia Nwawe Friday disclosed this to journalists in Sokoto.

She said the area boys specialize in attacking members of the public with dangerous weapons and dispossessing them of their property.

DSP Nwawe said the Yaro was wanted for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and causing grievous hurt.

She disclosed:"Yaro and his gang members have their terror headquarters inside Hubbare area in a forest that he named Falluja and it is from there that he operates and unleash terror on law-abiding citizens."

According to her, the suspects had been charged to court for prosecution.

She expressed commitment of the police to bring perpetrators of crimes to book and advised parents to monitor their children to curb them from engaging in criminal activities. (Daily Trust)