The Kano State Police Command has arrested ten suspected criminals involved in kidnapping and armed robbery, recovering a total of N4,850,000 in ransom money, arms, and ammunition.
The arrest follows the intensified security measures put in place by the new Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who assumed office on March 17, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa on Friday, the arrests were part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
The command’s intelligence-led operations, backed by the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, have significantly boosted security efforts in Kano.
According to him, major breakthrough was recorded in the fight against kidnapping when police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested five suspects linked to the abduction of a 21-year-old man, Muhammad Bello, in Zakirai Town, Gabasawa Local Government Area.
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“Following a report of a kidnapping incident received from a resident of Zakirai Town in Gabasawa LGA, Kano 08/03/2025, that his son, Muhammad Bello, 21, was kidnapped and a ransom of fifteen million naira, was demanded for his release”, he said.
The statement revealed the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N15 million for the victim’s release. However, acting on intelligence, police operatives led by CSP Bala Shuaibu made efforts between March 11 and March 18, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
“On receipt of the report, a team from the Anti-kidnapping Squad led by CSP Bala Shuaibu was detailed to rescue the victim and arrest the culprit(s). Through a technical-based operation and intelligence-driven investigation, the following five suspects were arrested in connection with the case between 11/03/2025 to 18/03/2025,” he further.
According to the statement, Tukur Lawal A.K.A Maikudi, 20, Ado Usman Alias Ruwa, 30, Sunusi Surajo, 27, Ummulkhairi Ibrahim, 19, and Habiba Shuaibu,18 were all arrested during the tactical operation.
During the operation, the victim was successfully rescued on March 17, and a Dane gun, along with N4,850,000 believed to be ransom money, was recovered from the suspects.
“The victim was rescued on 17/03/2025. A Dane Gun used in the operation, and a sum of four million eight hundred and fifty thousand naira (N4,850,000:00) were recovered from the suspects”, the statement revealed.
In a related development, five suspected armed robbers were also apprehended at Badawa layout, Kadawa Mil-Tara quarters and Zango quarters all in the Kano metropolis.
Moreso, a Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition were recovered from two suspected armed robbers, Awwal Hassan Ibrahim (29) and Suleiman Umar (24), who had reportedly attacked residents of Badawa Layout, Kano.
The statement partly read: “Similarly, on 18th March 2025, at about 11 am, the Command received credible information that some suspected criminals were sighted driving a motor vehicle in possession of a rifle. On receipt of the report, a team of detectives was dispatched, and arrested one Shuaibu Yakubu, ‘m’, 25 years old, alias Dan Bula Bula, of Kadawa Mil-Tara Quarters, Kano.”
“Upon search conducted, an AK-47 rifle loaded with twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition and a motor vehicle Pontiac Vibe, red in color were recovered.”
“The suspect confessed to have involved in series of armed robbery incidents in Kano and Abuja.Furthermore, on March 19, two additional suspects, Friday Bitrus (38) and Daniel Samuel (25), were arrested by the Rapid Response Team while attempting to carry out an attack. A locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and a sharp axe were recovered from them.”
The PPRO said all the suspects are currently undergoing investigations at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigations.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers for their dedication and assured residents that the command remains committed to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
