ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- About 98 hoodlums popularly called Sara Suka in Kaduna State, have been arrested by security operatives.
The suspects were alleged to have snatched phones of innocent persons and caused confusion in the communities.
Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
He expressed worry over the increase in urban gangsterism perpetrated by the criminals popularly known as ‘Sara-Suka’ in Kaduna Metropolis.
Aruwan noted that Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has demanded for an aggressive action against the criminals, adding that progressive report has been received from the Kaduna State Police Command.
He said the criminals had been attacking citizens and snatching their mobile phones and other belongings, a situation which resulted in loss of several lives and severe injuries inflicted on innocent citizens.
According to the report, which was accompanied with pictorial evidence, a total of 98 suspects were arrested between the 26 and 28 April, 2023.
Nineteen of the suspects have been charged to court, while 61 are still under investigation at various Divisions within the Kaduna Metropolis.
Eighteen of those arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation ahead of prosecution.
The report further revealed that several exhibits were recovered from the suspects which include snatched mobile phones, sharp knives, sharp scissors, cudgels, dried leaves suspected to be Indian Hemp, assorted hard drugs and accessories to aid their consumption, masters keys and other valuables.
The Governor tasked the Command to ensure due diligence in prosecution without compromise, and directed that the manhunt for those at large should be intensified until they are all brought to justice.
He also condoled families that lost their loved ones and wished the injured speedy recovery.a
Finally, the Governor called on members of communities such as Rigasa, Kawo, Ungwan Muazu, Badarawa, Kwaru, Rigachikun, Barnawa, Ungwan Rimi, Trikania, Nasarawa, Makera, Sabon Tasha, Narayi, Rafin Guza, Tudun Wada and other locations, to provide the names of suspected gang members in their localities for follow-up action by security agencies.
He said that relevant information may be forwarded to the Security Operations Room on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.