The Kano State Police Command on Saturday said it arrested 288 suspected thugs armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the by-election in four local government areas of the state.
Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects were rounded up while allegedly attempting to disrupt the exercise, some in the company of their suspected sponsors.
Recovered items included a pump-action rifle, four locally made guns, cutlasses, sticks, bows and arrows, knives and catapults.
“These items were recovered as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Kano,” Haruna stated.
Reports indicated that security operatives intercepted hundreds of armed thugs in Bagwai town as they attempted to invade polling units. In Shanono, several others were arrested after trying to obstruct the movement of election materials.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, confirmed the clampdown, stressing that swift police action prevented disruptions.
“Shanono has always been a difficult area during elections, but this time, security agents ensured control. The process has so far remained smooth and credible,” Zango said.
Observers also noted heavy security deployment, which restored calm and boosted voter confidence in the affected areas.