The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected gang leader, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as Sankolo, over the alleged kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy in the Rimin Kebbe area of the state.
The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect was arrested on Friday, November 6, following intelligence gathered after another suspected thug, Umar Usman, also known as Ta’ambo, was arrested on November 5.
Ta’ambo, 25, was earlier arrested over alleged involvement in street violence, phone robbery and attacks on security personnel in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.
According to the police, Sankolo was allegedly a major figure in criminal activities within the area and a principal suspect in the kidnapping of Ubaidu Sammani, the son of a resident, Alhaji Sammani.
The nine-year-old boy was reportedly kidnapped on July 3, 2026, while some suspected accomplices had already been charged to court.
Kiyawa explained that operatives of the Zango Police Division arrested Sankolo around 9:30 pm at Rimin Kebbe Quarters during an operation conducted under the police initiative known as Operation Kukan Kura.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to several cases of thuggery and mobile phone robbery in the community and surrounding areas.
The police further alleged that he coordinated attacks, threatened residents and participated in the theft of mobile phones and other valuables.
The command said the suspect confessed to involvement in several thuggery-related activities during preliminary investigations.
His arrest was welcomed by residents and community leaders, who reportedly described it as a major breakthrough in efforts to address insecurity in the area.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers involved in the operation and encouraged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
The police added that Sankolo remained in custody as investigations continued, while efforts were being made to apprehend other suspected gang members and recover stolen items and weapons allegedly used in the crimes.
He is expected to be charged in court after the investigation is concluded.
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