Sokoto – The Sokoto State Police Command had arrested 14 suspects after a raid on a suspected criminals’ hideout in Sokoto.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Elmustapha Sani, told newsmen on Sunday that the raid was conducted on Friday at a hideout located between the wood and the grains market in Sokoto.
Sani said the successful operation was conducted sequel to a series of public outcries about the operations of an illegal daily market called, ”one hour market”.
It was learnt that the market was usually operated daily between 6 p.m. and 7p.m.
“This notorious market is harbouring suspected burglars, housebreakers, thieves and other petty criminals.
“ Traders in the market are suspected to be dealing in stolen electronics, handsets, jewellery and other household items.
“ That was why we had to act swiftly to burst the criminals’ gang, most of whom were youths, ” he said.
Sani said seven out of the 14 arrested suspects had since been charged to court.
He said that the remaining seven suspects had been cleared and released.
The police spokesman disclosed that some suspected stolen telephone sets, electronics and jewellery were recovered from the suspects.
“The raids will be routinely sustained and replicated across the state, to make the state more secure for all law abiding citizens.
“ We are also appealing to the residents of the state to render useful intelligence reports to the security agencies.
“ This is to enable the various security agencies to be proactive and nip crimes in the bud,” Sani, said. (NAN)
