Kano Police Arrest Suspected Notorious Thug, ‘Sankolo’, Over Kidnapping of 9-Year-Old Boy
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious thug, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, over his alleged involvement in thuggery, mobile phone robbery and the kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy in the state.
The arrest followed a discreet investigation and actionable intelligence obtained after the earlier arrest of another suspected thug, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, in Rimin Kebbe and its environs on November 5, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Sunday, November 8, the suspect was arrested on November 6 at about 9:30 p.m. by operatives of Zango Police Division during an operation under ‘Operation Kukan Kura’.
The 22-year-old suspect, a resident of Rimin Kebbe Quarters, was reportedly on the Command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in thuggery-related activities and was identified as a principal suspect in a kidnapping case involving a nine-year-old boy, Ubaidu Sammani, son of Alhaji Sammani of Rimin Kebbe.
The police said the boy was allegedly kidnapped on July 3, 2026, while some of the suspect’s accomplices had already been charged to court, with their trial ongoing.
During preliminary investigations, Isma’il reportedly confessed to involvement in several thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities. He was also alleged to have coordinated attacks, intimidated residents and participated in the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.
The Command noted that residents and community leaders in the affected areas had welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that it would help curb thuggery and related criminal activities in the communities.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the alleged gang, recover stolen property and weapons, and establish his possible involvement in other reported crimes.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of Zango Division for their professionalism and timely action, while appreciating members of the public for their continued cooperation and provision of credible information.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling thuggery, phone snatching, kidnapping, attacks on security personnel and other violent crimes across Kano State. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
Police emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.