Kano police arrest 244 suspects over kidnapping, robbery, others

By Hadiza Yusuf

KANO — The Kano State Police Command has arrested 244 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, drug dealing, thuggery, vehicle theft and other major crimes across the state in August 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters, Bompai, Kano.

Bakori said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations, community engagements, patrols and raids on criminal hideouts carried out by the command throughout the month.

According to him, the suspects comprised eight suspected kidnappers, 28 suspected armed robbers, seven suspected motor vehicle thieves, 19 suspected drug dealers, 117 suspected thugs and 65 others linked to various offences.

The commissioner said the command also recovered dangerous weapons, suspected illicit drugs, vehicles and other items during the operations.

He said the sustained operations had contributed to a reduction in major crimes and improved security in several parts of Kano metropolis.

Bakori said areas previously affected by violent thuggery, including Dala, Kofar Nassarawa, Sheka, Dorayi, Rimin Kebbe and Hotoro, had recorded sustained peace.

“However, we are not relenting. Massive operational and community engagements are ongoing to dismantle the remnants of thuggery activities in Bachirawa, Gobirawa and Tudun Fulani,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that police operatives recovered 17,684 sachets and 614 wraps of suspected illicit drugs during the month.

The recovered substances included 17,070 sachets of suspected Tramadol, 49 sachets, three cartons and 18 packs of suspected Diazepam, 90 sachets of Pregabalin, 210 suspected Exol tablets and 614 wraps of suspected Indian Hemp, as well as quantities of suspected Ice.

He added that three pistols and 65 rounds of live ammunition were recovered in connection with suspected gun-running activities.

The command also recovered six motor vehicles, four tricycles and seven motorcycles allegedly linked to criminal activities.

Bakori said the command would continue to strengthen security along Kano’s borders to prevent criminals fleeing from neighbouring states from using the state as a safe haven.

He added that the command had commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections, with security measures being put in place to protect political activities, campaign venues and facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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