By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Borno Police Command has arrested 537 suspects with a conviction of 250 for rape, kidnapping, burglary and other criminal activities in the State.

The arrests were made in the state's Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Monguno, and Shani local councils over the last three months.

The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Yusuf, revealed yesterday (Monday) in Maiduguri: "Of the total arrests, 339 were for public nuisance, 39 each for burglary and theft, 30 and nine for rape and kidnapping, respectively in the four council areas."

Furthermore, he stated that 135 arrested individuals were charged in court for various offenses committed during the time period under investigation.

The police chief ascribed the arrests and convictions to Governor Babagana Zulum's recent emphasis of Borno state penal code law 2023 and other connected concerns.

"These are part of the efforts of the Governor to restore peace for a sustainable growth and development of the State," the governor added.

Needless to say, "the massive arrests and conviction of suspects, are to serve as deterrents and a warning to all criminally minded individuals" .

Lawan cited a recent rape case in which Hamisu Dauda reportedly raped Laraba Musa, 62, in Shani's Gasi District on September 13, 2023.

He said that, in addition to raping the elderly woman, the suspect stole N42,700 from her pocket.

“They don’t have a space to perpetrate criminal activities in the state; as nobody could escape the wrath of law,” declared the police boss.

He further revealed that while in Monguno, Umar Goni Abubakar, 25, stabbed Zarami Modu, 35, for allegedly tempting his wife, Hajja Fantami, at a community water point.

Lawan also authorized the state's 27 Divisional Police Officers (DPOS) to undertake the Safer School Outreach (SSOR) program.

"We're moving ahead in fighting criminal activities in both communities and schools in the state," he went on to say.