The Borno State Police Command has arrested 103 suspects in a major crackdown on criminal hideouts and black spots across Maiduguri. This operation is part of measures to curb election thuggery and other anti-social activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. The State's Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Nahum Daso, disclosed this to LEADERSHIP. The operation was part of the proactive security strategy of the Commissioner of Police.
The crackdown was designed to create a safe and peaceful environment for the forthcoming electioneering process. The police aimed to flush out criminals from slums, communities, and identified criminal hideouts across the state. The arrest of the suspects was carried out as part of the Command's efforts to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the election period to perpetrate violence and other forms of social vices.
The large-scale operation covered about 11 locations identified as criminal hotspots, including Baga Road, Shagari Low Cost, Kasuwa Fara, Shuwari, and Muna. The operation was conducted by the Social Vices Unit in collaboration with other critical stakeholders and security agencies. This coordinated effort led to the prosecution of over 90 percent of the suspects, particularly those found in possession of incriminating exhibits.
According to ASP Daso, the method adopted by the Command is to raid the slums, communities, and identified black hideouts and black spots where criminals hibernate. This approach aims to flush them away from those places so that the police can have a free and hitch-free electioneering process. The sustained operations were aimed at dismantling criminal networks, denying criminals access to hideouts, and preventing activities capable of undermining peace and security during the 2027 electioneering period.
The police have sustained the crackdown through subsequent raids following the initial operation. Since the incident, there have been subsequent raid operations. The more suspects are apprehended, the more they are prosecuted. About 90 percent of the suspects had been convicted for various offences, including theft and drugs.
ASP Daso explained that some of the suspects were released after screening, while others were granted bail or remained under investigation. The Command maintained that the sustained operations were aimed at preventing criminal elements from exploiting the election period to perpetrate violence and other forms of social vices.
The Borno State Police Command's efforts to curb election thuggery and anti-social activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are ongoing. The Command's proactive security strategy aims to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for the electioneering process. The arrest of 103 suspects and the prosecution of over 90 percent of them demonstrate the Command's commitment to achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Borno State Police Command arrested 103 suspects in a major crackdown on criminal hideouts and black spots across Maiduguri.
- The operation was part of measures to curb election thuggery and other anti-social activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- About 90 percent of the suspects had been convicted for various offences, including theft and drugs.
