Police Nab Wanted Thug Over Kidnapping, Robbery In Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested another suspected notorious thug, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, following the recent arrest of Umar Usman, alias ‘Ta’ambo’, in Rimin Kebbe and its environs.

The arrest was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

According to the statement, the arrest followed discreet investigations and actionable intelligence gathered after the arrest of Ta’ambo on November 5, 2026.

Kiyawa said operatives of Zango Police Division, acting under Operation Kukan Kura, arrested the 22-year-old suspect at Rimin Kebbe Quarters, Kano, at about 9:30 pm on November 6.

He said Sankolo was on the command’s wanted list over his alleged involvement in thuggery-related activities in and around Rimin Kebbe.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect was also a principal suspect in a kidnapping case involving a nine-year-old boy, Ubaidu Sammani, whose alleged abduction occurred on July 3, 2026.

The police said some of the suspect’s alleged accomplices had already been charged to court, with their trial ongoing.

During preliminary investigations, Sankolo reportedly confessed to involvement in several thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.

The statement said he allegedly coordinated attacks, intimidated residents and participated in the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.

Residents and community leaders in the affected areas reportedly welcomed the arrest, describing it as a significant breakthrough in efforts to address thuggery in the communities.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The command said efforts were underway to arrest other members of the alleged gang, recover stolen properties and weapons used in the commission of the crimes, and establish the suspect’s possible involvement in other reported cases.

It added that he would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Zango Division for their professionalism and timely action.

He also appreciated members of the public for providing credible information and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The command reiterated its commitment to tackling thuggery, phone snatching, kidnapping, attacks on security personnel and other violent crimes across Kano State.