Kano Police Rescue APC Chairman After 68 Days in Kidnappers’ Den, Arrest Two Suspects, Recover AK-47

The Kano State Police Command has announced the dismantling of a suspected kidnapping syndicate following the successful rescue of Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area, who spent 68 days in captivity.

The victim, who was kidnapped on September 1, 2026, was rescued unhurt through sustained intelligence-led and technology-driven operations by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command disclosed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.

According to the statement, the breakthrough came on October 18, 2026, when police operatives arrested the principal suspect, identified as 25-year-old Shu’aibu Sulaiman, popularly known as Lemu, at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.

The police said the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime and provided useful information that assisted investigators in making further arrests.

Another suspect, identified as Mansur Usman, from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was subsequently arrested.

The police described Usman as a driver allegedly responsible for transporting kidnapped victims between different hideouts across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.

The Command further disclosed that an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network who are still at large.

Governor Abba Yusuf Commends Police

Presenting the rescued victim to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, said the successful operation was part of the Command’s ongoing commitment to combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Bakori explained that the operation was conducted in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on intelligence-led policing and community-based security initiatives.

In his remarks, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the Commissioner of Police and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their efforts, particularly the successful rescue of the victim after 68 days in captivity.

The governor also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the police and other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and protect lives and property across Kano State.

The Commissioner of Police, in turn, expressed appreciation to the governor for his continued support and cooperation with the Command.

He assured residents that the police would sustain ongoing operations against criminal elements and urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and tackling crime.

The Command added that the arrested suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The development represents a significant breakthrough in the Kano State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats affecting the state and neighbouring communities.