Kano Police Arrest 333 Suspects, Recover Weapons and Ballot Papers in By-Elections

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 333 suspects over electoral violence and disruption during Saturday’s re-run election in Ghari/Tsanyawa and the by-election in Bagwai/Shanono constituencies.

According to Mediaplusng.com, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Kano on Monday. He explained that the arrests followed coordinated security operations designed to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

“The elections, which were conducted under challenging circumstances, witnessed attempts by unscrupulous individuals to disrupt the process through the massive importation of thugs from within and outside the state,” Bakori stated.

The Police Commissioner revealed that several weapons and electoral materials were recovered from the suspects. Items seized include one pump-action rifle, five locally made guns, 94 sticks (gora), 16 swords, 18 cutlasses, 32 locally made barandami weapons, 18 knives, one bow and 23 arrows, catapults, stones, and 14 vehicles allegedly used for the violence. Also recovered were two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, and ₦4,048,000 cash.

Mediaplusng.com reports that all the arrested suspects have been charged to Magistrate Courts 20, 27, 44 Nomansland, and Magistrate Courts 8 and 53 Gyadi-Gyadi in Kano for prosecution under various electoral offences. The charges include criminal conspiracy, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting, snatching or destruction of election materials, and vote solicitation on election day.

Commending security personnel, CP Bakori praised the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for their professionalism and dedication in preventing what could have escalated into widespread violence.

“I commend the combined security agencies for their commitment and coordinated efforts during this challenging electoral period,” he said. “Their actions were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further.”

The Police Commissioner urged residents of Kano State to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies. He also released emergency hotlines—08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926—for reporting suspicious activities.

“As we continue to secure the democratic process, I appeal to the good people of Kano State to remain law-abiding and support security agencies,” Bakori added. “Together, we will protect the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensure a peaceful Kano State.”

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