The Kano State Police have taken two suspected criminals into custody for allegedly encouraging violence and showing off weapons in viral social media videos.

The suspects were identified as Mohammed Isma’il, also known as Linga, and Sani Abdulsalam, also known as Guchi.

According to SP Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects were caught on Wednesday, August 27, during a special operation in Dala Quarters.

They had been gathering youths and posting videos of themselves with dangerous weapons on TikTok and Facebook.

During the raid, police recovered a sword and two clubs from the suspects, which were reportedly used to intimidate others.

SP Kiyawa added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, personally ordered their arrest and instructed that a full investigation be carried out.

CP Bakori warned that anyone using social media to encourage violence or criminal acts would face arrest and prosecution. He also urged parents to guide their children and discourage them from engaging in crimes.

“The police are dedicated to protecting lives and property in Kano State and will not allow actions that disturb community peace,” the statement emphasized.

The police also thanked the public for providing information that helped lead to the arrest and called on citizens to continue cooperating and staying alert.