The Kano State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 288 suspected thugs on Saturday, August 16, 2025, during the ongoing by-elections across the state.
Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a statement posted on his Facebook page. According to him, the suspects were apprehended while attempting to disrupt the electoral process. Weapons recovered from them included a pump-action rifle, locally-made guns, knives, and cutlasses.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier disclosed that over 100 suspected thugs were picked up during the exercise. Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Abdu Zango, while addressing journalists at INEC’s local government headquarters in Bagwai, said security agencies had restored calm to areas initially destabilised by the violent groups.
Zango commended the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for their swift response. He also warned that further arrests could be made to ensure peace, stressing that those in custody would face prosecution.
The mass arrests came as part of efforts to curb electoral violence and guarantee the credibility of the by-elections, which had earlier been marred by attempts at disruption.
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