The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has detained 23 foreign nationals and several other suspects during separate operations targeting alleged immoral activities and drug abuse in parts of Birnin Kebbi.
The board disclosed that a young man and a woman were arrested in the Filin Idi area of the state capital over alleged conduct said to be contrary to Islamic teachings and societal values.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Shariah, Sirajo Kamba, the agency said its operatives also raided a residence in the Gesse Phase 2 area, where seven women and two young men were apprehended.
According to the statement, some other suspects reportedly escaped from the scene by jumping over the fence during the operation.
The Hisbah Board alleged that those arrested at the residence were involved in drug abuse and other activities considered immoral under the state’s religious and social regulations.
Kamba further revealed that 23 non-Nigerians were handed over to the board by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service after they were reportedly found roaming under suspicious circumstances.
He explained that immigration officials made the arrests during routine patrols aimed at identifying illegal immigrants and other non-citizens within the state.
The statement added that the foreign nationals were transferred to the Hisbah Board for further investigation and necessary action.
“The Hisbah Board is currently investigating all the cases,” the director stated.