The Police Command in Borno State has arrested 210 suspects and seized a significant cache of hard drugs and illegal weapons during a series of operations conducted from June 11 to June 18, 2023.
Borno’s Commissioner of Police, Naziru AbdulMajid, shared these details on Friday during a press conference at the Command Headquarters in Maiduguri. He outlined that the operations were comprehensive and included a blend of strategic raids, thorough surveillance, stop-and-search tactics, and coordinated enforcement initiatives targeting prevalent issues such as handset snatching, youth gangsterism, thuggery, and rampant drug abuse.
Of the 210 suspects apprehended, 86 have already been convicted in connection with various offenses, while the remaining 124 are still undergoing investigation to ascertain their roles in criminal activities.
The operation yielded an extensive haul of illicit drugs, including 58 sachets of tramadol, 175 tablets of exzol, 130 D5 tablets, along with 395 wraps and 1 kilogram of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. In addition to these drugs, law enforcement officials seized other concerning items such as 28 ermo tablets, 10 bottles of dangerous drug syrup, 19 shisha pots and pipes, nine knives, and two customized antelope horns, which are often associated with illegal wildlife trade.
AbdulMajid attributed the success of these operations to the efforts of the Rapid Response Squad Social Vices Unit, a collaborative task force comprising police officers and other security agencies. He commended the dedication and bravery exhibited by the officers involved and extended his gratitude to the Borno state government for its efforts in revitalizing and equipping the RRS unit with the resources necessary for effective operations.
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In addition, he expressed appreciation for the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Abubakar, for facilitating the swift prosecution of suspects, which is essential for maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner urged residents of Borno to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or sharing reliable intelligence that could further aid investigations.
“Let me be clear: the Police Command in Borno under my watch will not tolerate criminal elements or their unlawful activities,” AbdulMajid asserted firmly. He issued a stern warning to those engaged in illicit activities, urging them to immediately cease their actions, or they would face the full force of the law in accordance with established legal protocols.