Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have taken into custody a suspected notorious criminal popularly called ‘Sankolo’ due to his alleged connection to the abduction of a nine-year-old child in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Isma’il, 22, was arrested on November 6, 2026, at about 9:30pm by operatives of Zango Police Division under Operation Kukan Kura.
The police said his arrest followed intelligence gathered after the recent arrest of another suspected thug, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, who was apprehended on November 5.
Spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said Sankolo was on the police wanted list over alleged involvement in thuggery and other criminal activities in Rimin Kebe and neighbouring communities.
He said he was also a principal suspect in the kidnapping of Ubaidu Sammani, 9, son of Alhaji Sammani of Rimin Kebe, on July 3, 2026.
According to him, some of his alleged accomplices had already been charged to court, with trial ongoing.
The police spokesman added that during preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to involvement in several acts of thuggery and mobile phone robbery, including coordinating attacks, intimidation of residents and snatching of valuables.
He said the suspect was in police custody, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover stolen property and weapons allegedly used in the crimes.
The command said the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives and urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist the police in tackling crime.
What You Should Know
The arrest of the notorious suspect known as ‘Sankolo’ marks a major milestone in ongoing police efforts to crack down on violent gangs and kidnapping syndicates operating within Kano State. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was on their wanted list for multiple offenses, including thuggery, mobile phone robberies, and coordinating attacks on residents.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced safety and relief for residents of Rimin Kebe and neighboring communities as law enforcement dismantles violent criminal networks and brings culprits to justice.
- Potential Concerns: The incident underscores ongoing challenges with youth thuggery and organized kidnapping in urban neighborhoods, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and community intelligence sharing.
