The Jigawa State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on drug-related crimes, arresting 17 suspected drug dealers and recovering 4,658 wraps of illicit substances across multiple local government areas of the state.
The arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out in identified flashpoints as part of the command’s renewed effort to curb drug abuse, protect youths and strengthen public safety.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids conducted across several communities, including Dutse, Guri, Gumel, Sara, Shuwarin, Sundimina, Kazaure, Malam-Madori, Ringim, Birnin Kudu, Kafin Hausa and Taura local government areas.
“During the operation, a total of 17 major drug peddling suspects were arrested across the state,” the statement read.
According to the police spokesperson, the operations led to the recovery of a large cache of hard drugs allegedly meant for distribution within the state. He identified the principal suspect as Mutari Shu’aibu, a 20-year-old resident of Dutse Local Government Area, who was arrested with a substantial quantity of illicit substances.
“In our continued effort to rid Jigawa State of drugs and criminal activities, the command arrested 17 suspects in various raids and recovered 4,658 wraps of hard drugs,” Adam said.
He added that all exhibits recovered during the operation had been properly documented and would be presented in court as evidence.
The police also disclosed that earlier, on December 17, seven additional suspects were arrested in connection with cases of armed robbery and theft across the state. Items recovered from those suspects included five motorcycles and other stolen property.
Adam confirmed that following preliminary investigations, all arrested suspects had been arraigned in court to face prosecution.
“After a discreet and thorough investigation, the suspects have been charged to court to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Describing the operation as part of the command’s aggressive onslaught against criminal elements, the PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, as reaffirming the force’s resolve to sustain pressure on drug traffickers and other offenders.
“The command will not relent in its fight against drug trafficking and other criminal activities,” the police commissioner said.
Adam noted that the raids were carried out based on credible intelligence, allowing officers to precisely target individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
He assured residents that similar operations would continue across the state until drug abuse and related crimes are significantly reduced.
“We are fully committed to ensuring a safe, secure and drug-free society for the good people of Jigawa State,” the police spokesperson said.
The command also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and reliable information on suspicious activities within their communities, stressing that the fight against drugs requires collective effort.