The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 288 suspected thugs in connection with violent attempts to disrupt Saturday’s bye-election across four local government areas.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, told reporters that the arrests were made before 1 p.m., with the suspects caught carrying dangerous weapons ranging from pump-action rifles and locally made guns to cutlasses, knives, sticks, bows and arrows, and catapults.
“These individuals were apprehended alongside their alleged sponsors,” Haruna said, stressing that security agencies acted swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
At Bagwai town, security forces intercepted a large group of armed men attempting to infiltrate polling areas.
A similar scare was reported in Shanono, where hoodlums tried to obstruct the movement of election materials before being dispersed by officers.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Commissioner, Abdu Zango, praised the “strong security presence” for ensuring the elections continued despite tensions.
He noted that Shanono is historically prone to electoral violence but credited law enforcement with keeping the process under control.
The arrests highlight ongoing security challenges in Kano’s electoral process, with parties already raising concerns about the integrity of the polls following widespread violence.