LG poll: Police detain 21 suspected political thugs in Kaduna

The Police Command in Kaduna State says at least 21 persons are detained for allegedly attempting to disrupt the just-concluded Local Government Elections in the state.

The command’s Spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Hassan said the suspects, identified as political thugs, were caught allegedly attempting to block transportation routes and disrupt the distribution of election materials by targeting ad hoc staff members assigned to oversee the election logistics.

According to the statement, they were caught by operatives from Operation Fushin Kada, “who acted swiftly to prevent the planned obstruction of the electoral process”.

It stated that the operatives recovered sharp weapons and hard drugs from them.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged accordingly.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine if there are further links to other individuals or groups involved in the attempted criminal act,” it added.

It stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended the operatives “for their swift response”.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue to cooperate with the police as they work to ensure peace and security in the state.