Police in Katsina State Command, North West Nigeria, said on Monday that they intercepted 850 cutlasses, which were allegedly being smuggled in by some persons suspected to be members a political party, ostensibly ahead of the February 14th general election.
This is even as its counterpart in Bauchi State also announced the recovery of some 34 stolen vehicles, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a sizeable number of arms and ammunition.
Deputy Commissioner Police Bala Zama Senchi, who disclosed this to our Correspondent in a telephone chat after a meeting with political parties in the state on Monday, however, declined to mention the party.
But sources said, those found in possession of the dangerous weapons all wore white T-shirt with All Progressives Congress (APC) logo and name. “They were heading to Niger State, according to the leader of the group, one Ahmed Bako,” Police source said.
Police Commissioner Senchi, who noted that the cutlasses were new, warned that the command would not tolerate thuggery or any act capable of causing unrest before, during and after the elections.
He said politicians must operate within the ambit of the law, adding that the police are non-partisan and committed to ensuring peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Senchi called on parties to submit their campaign timetables to the police to avoid clashes and confrontations during campaigns. “We must collaborate for a successful election,” he said.
Meanwhile in a related development, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, while speaking to our Correspondent on the command’s performance in 2014, said the command recovered 13 AK 47 rifles, one SMG rifle, three Barreta rifles, 11 fabricated pistols, four G-3 rifles, three K2 rifles, 27 Dane guns and three toy guns.
Shehu said the command also recovered 586 rounds of AK 47 ammunition, eight rounds of SMG live ammunition, 43 cartridges and one magazine, 13 boxes of IED cable detonators and two IEDs concealed inside a fire extinguisher.
“During the year under review, police, through a coordinated operation in various locations within the state smashed a syndicate of cattle rustlers and recovered 164 cattle, 34 sheep and 20 goats. Five suspects have been arrested and charged to court,” he said.
He added that over 1,195 suspects consisting of members of Sara-Suka cattle rustlers and armed robbers were arrested. He said the feat was made possible through useful information volunteered by members of the public. “They would all be charged to court very soon, after we have completed our investigations,” both State Police Commissioners stated.
