The Police Command in Kano State has refuted claims making the rounds that it had allegedly orchestrated a plan to recruit criminals into the force in the name of fighting crime and criminality in the state.
A statement by Spokesperson of the command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said that 50 out of 222 repentant thugs that were behind the escalating political violence in the state but later surrendered their weapons and promised never to return to their inequities were admitted into the police special unit.
Also in a swift counter reaction, the CP in the state, Mohammad Usaini Gumel, faulted the criticism against the command just as he insisted that the new constabularies were profiled and nurtured into the act before their confirmation.
Gumel told journalists that the police did not hesitate to convert the former thugs following the directive of the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who considered the idea necessary.
He said the governor believed in the initiative instead of allowing them to fall in the hands of disgruntled politicians who may use them to foment trouble.
He said: “I am aware that the Sahara Reporters has no Correspondent or reporter here in Kano. They have not been following our events. I am rather surprised how and where they are getting such fake news.
“All the 222 influential youths that surrendered themselves were properly profiled. The state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who already gave them amnesty, directed us to profile them and find out where they can fit in for skills acquisition and human empowerment.
“It is very unfortunate that some people are bent on tarnishing the image and reputation of the Nigerian Police, but they will not succeed. The Command will remain committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens.”
Gumel, therefore, urged the public to disregard any of such reports.
