The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected gang leader over the alleged kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy in Rimin Kebbe, Kano State.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as Sankolo, allegedly played a leading role in criminal activities across Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.
Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday. He said officers attached to the Zango Police Division apprehended Sankolo following intelligence gathered after the arrest of another suspected thug, Umar Usman, also known as Ta’ambo.
Police arrested Ta’ambo, 25, on November 5 over alleged involvement in street gang activities, mobile phone robberies and attacks on security personnel in Rimin Kebbe and surrounding areas.
According to the command, Sankolo was among the principal suspects in the kidnapping of Ubaidu Sammani, the nine-year-old son of a Rimin Kebbe resident, Alhaji Sammani.
The police said unknown persons allegedly kidnapped the child on July 3, 2026. Authorities added that some suspected accomplices had already faced charges in court over the incident.
Kano Kidnap Suspect Arrested During Police Operation
Kiyawa explained that officers arrested Sankolo at about 9:30 pm on Friday, November 6, at Rimin Kebbe Quarters.
The operation followed actionable intelligence and took place under the police command’s security initiative, known as Operation Kukan Kura.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to several incidents of thuggery and mobile phone robbery in Rimin Kebbe and nearby communities.
The police also accused him of coordinating attacks, threatening residents and stealing mobile phones and other valuables.
Kiyawa said the suspect confessed to involvement in several thuggery-related activities during preliminary investigations.
The command added that community leaders and residents welcomed the arrest, describing it as an important development in efforts to address criminal activities in the area.
Police Pursue Other Suspected Gang Members
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, praised officers of the Zango Police Division for their conduct during the operation.
He also encouraged residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to support efforts against criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that Sankolo remained in custody as investigators continued their inquiries.
The command said officers were working to track down other suspected gang members and recover stolen items and weapons allegedly connected to the crimes.
Police authorities added that they would charge the suspect in court after completing the investigation.