Kano Police Arrest Suspected Notorious Thug ‘Sankolo’ Over Kidnapping of 9-Year-Old Boy

The suspect, identified as a key figure in criminal activities around Rimin Kebbe, allegedly confessed to involvement in thuggery and mobile phone robbery during preliminary investigations.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious thug, identified as Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, over alleged involvement in kidnapping, thuggery and mobile phone robbery in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.

The arrest, according to the Police Command, followed the earlier apprehension of another suspected gang member, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, on November 5, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the arrest was carried out on November 6, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m. by operatives of Zango Police Division under the Command’s Operation Kukan Kura.

The operation was conducted following discreet investigations and actionable intelligence gathered after the arrest of ‘Ta’ambo’.

The police identified the latest suspect as a 22-year-old resident of Rimin Kebbe Quarters, Kano, who was reportedly on the Command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in violent criminal activities in the area.

According to the police, ‘Sankolo’ is also a principal suspect in the kidnapping of nine-year-old Ubaidu Sammani, son of Alhaji Sammani, who was allegedly abducted on July 3, 2026, in Rimin Kebbe.

The Command disclosed that other suspects connected to the kidnapping case had already been charged to court, with proceedings ongoing.

During preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several acts of thuggery and mobile phone robbery across Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.

The police further alleged that he coordinated attacks, intimidated residents and participated in the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.

The arrest has reportedly been welcomed by residents and community leaders, who expressed optimism that the development would help restore peace and security in Rimin Kebbe and surrounding areas.

The police said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the alleged gang, recover stolen property and weapons, and establish the suspect’s possible involvement in other criminal cases.

The Command assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers of Zango Police Division for their professionalism, vigilance and swift response.

He also appreciated members of the public for providing credible information and supporting the police in the fight against criminal activities.

The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling thuggery, kidnapping, phone snatching, attacks on security personnel and other violent crimes across the state.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.