Kano police arrest notorious thug, accomplice over viral weapon videos

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended two suspected thugs who were allegedly brandishing dangerous weapons in viral videos circulating on social media.

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Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the suspects were picked up during an intelligence-led operation.

According to the statement, the prime suspect, identified as Mohammed Isma’il, popularly called Linga from Dala Quarters, was arrested alongside his associate, Sani Abdulsalam, also known as Guchi. Both men were said to have appeared in several online clips where they were seen wielding weapons and urging youths to engage in violence.

Items recovered from the suspects during the arrest included a sword and two clubs. Police said the duo had been mobilizing young people in their area and sharing the videos on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, sparking concerns of possible unrest.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who ordered the operation, stressed that the Command would not hesitate to clamp down on anyone promoting violence or displaying weapons online. He added that the suspects are under investigation and will face prosecution.

“The Command will not tolerate acts of thuggery or behavior capable of breaching peace in Kano. Anyone found posting videos that glorify violence will be arrested and prosecuted,” Bakori was quoted as saying.

The police further appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children against engaging in crime, while assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Command commended members of the public for providing useful information that aided the arrests and urged continued vigilance.