The Kano State Police Command has arrested 288 suspected political thugs following violent clashes during Saturday’s re-run and bye-elections across the state.
Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspects were caught with dangerous weapons including a pump-action rifle, locally fabricated guns, knives, and cutlasses.
He noted that investigations were underway, and those found culpable would be charged.
Kiyawa assured residents that the command was fully committed to peace and stability, warning political actors against sponsoring violence. “Political thuggery and violence will not be tolerated in Kano State,” he stressed.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the increasing weaponisation of elections in northern states, where youth are often recruited to intimidate voters and disrupt polling.
Civil society groups have called for swift prosecution to deter future offenders, insisting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear.
