The Borno State Police Command has arrested 103 suspects during coordinated security operations targeting suspected drug dealers, thugs and other criminal elements across Maiduguri metropolis.
The raids, conducted by the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Social Vices Unit in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the recovery of suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and ammunition.
The command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
According to Daso, the operations were carried out following directives from the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, as part of efforts to address criminal activities in identified security hotspots.
The affected locations included Gwange, Santiago, Texaco, Ajari, Gadan Zare, Budum, Shehuri, Bulabulin, Abbaganaram, Baga Road and Gidan Dambe.
Other areas covered by the security operations were Mairi, Kuwait, Bakari, Zanneri, Polo, Kaleri, Damboa Road, Circular and Moduganari.
During the raids, operatives recovered 889 wraps of suspected cannabis, commonly referred to as Indian hemp, alongside 104 wraps of Erinmo and seven packs of Colorado.
The police also seized quantities of methamphetamine, eight bottles of codeine syrup, 266 tablets of D5 and 300 capsules of Exole.
Other suspected controlled substances were recovered in varying quantities.
In addition to the drugs, security personnel recovered four sharp knives, a cutlass, an axe and 11 rounds of live ammunition.
The recovered items also included four ice bunkers, three shisha pots and 11 ice bulbs.
Daso explained that the suspects were apprehended over alleged involvement in offences ranging from public nuisance and possession of dangerous weapons to the sale and possession of prohibited substances.
He stated that preliminary screening and investigations were underway to determine the involvement of each suspect in the alleged offences.
The police spokesperson added that individuals found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner Abdulmajid commended the officers and collaborating security agencies for their efforts in carrying out the operations.
He described their commitment and vigilance as essential to the command’s ongoing campaign against criminal activities in the state capital.
The commissioner reaffirmed the police command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations targeting suspected criminal hideouts and drug distribution networks.
He also emphasised the need for continued collaboration between security agencies and members of the public to improve safety across Maiduguri.
Abdulmajid urged residents to report suspicious movements, suspected drug-related activities and known criminal hideouts to security authorities.
He maintained that timely and credible information from residents would support ongoing efforts to prevent crime and protect lives and property.
The command indicated that further investigations would determine the next steps regarding the 103 suspects arrested during the operations.
Ezeana Emmanuel
