An alleged notorious drug peddler and gang leader, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, has been nabbed by police operatives attached to the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The 27-year old drug dealer, who hails from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area, Kano state, was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, after attempts to evade arrest.
Ibrahim is suspected of playing a leading role in the violent gang clashes that have breached the peace within parts of Kano state.
A statement from the Media Office of the Kano Anti-Drug Task Force further revealed that, ‘the suspect is alleged to be a gang leader who orchestrated and sponsored the violence, fuelling and funding the hoodlums behind attacks that claimed lives and left residents of Dala Local Government living in fear.’
The suspect reportedly fled Kano after the Task Force intensified security operations in communities affected by gang violence, including Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kuka Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt, where he was apprehended in an operation led by the Task Force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe.
He has since been brought back to Kano.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who confirmed the arrest said: ‘Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored.
‘The arrest, made outside Kano State, shows the Task Force’s determination to pursue wanted suspects beyond the state’s boundaries. The suspect is in custody and will be further investigated and, upon completion, prosecuted.’
Muhuyi said the Task Force operations will continue in accordance with the law, and that all suspects will be subjected to due process.
The Task Force assured the people of Kano State that it will not relent in dismantling criminal gangs, their sponsors and their drug supply networks.
It called on all citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, parents and youths to join hands in the fight by, reporting suspicious activities and persons promptly to the nearest security outpost, Keeping a close watch on their children and neighbourhoods and refusing to be used by anyone to disturb the peace.
The Task Force appreciated the support of the Kano State Police Command, the Rivers State Police Command and all other law enforcement agencies for their commitment to the success of the operation.