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 and other violent crimes in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities. The suspect was arrested on November 6 following intelligence-led investigations and a police operation targeting criminal gangs in the area.
Key Highlights
- Kano Police arrest 22-year-old suspected gang leader Abubakar Isma’il, known as ‘Sankolo’.
- The suspect is wanted over the alleged kidnapping of nine-year-old Ubaidu Sammani on July 3, 2026.
- Police say the arrest followed the apprehension of another suspected gang leader, Umar Usman, also known as ‘Ta’ambo’.
- Sankolo allegedly confessed to involvement in thuggery, mobile phone robberies and attacks on residents.
- Police say investigations are ongoing to identify other gang members and recover stolen property and weapons.
Kano Police Arrest ‘Sankolo’ in Rimin Kebbe
The police described Sankolo as a notorious thug and a principal suspect in the abduction of Ubaidu Sammani, son of Alhaji Sammani, who was reportedly kidnapped on July 3, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said operatives of the Zango Police Division arrested the suspect at about 9:30 p.m. on November 6 at Rimin Kebbe Quarters.
The arrest followed the earlier apprehension of another suspected gang leader, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, on November 5, as part of an ongoing operation against criminal gangs in the area.
Kiyawa said the operation was conducted under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, following discreet investigations and intelligence gathered after Ta’ambo’s arrest.
According to the police, Sankolo was already on the Command’s wanted list over his alleged involvement in violent gang activities and was suspected of leading criminal operations in Rimin Kebbe and surrounding communities.
Suspect Linked to Kidnapping, Phone Robberies
The police said Sankolo was being investigated over the kidnapping of the nine-year-old boy, adding that his alleged accomplices in the abduction had already been charged to court and their trial was ongoing.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in several acts of thuggery and mobile phone robberies.
The police alleged that his activities included coordinating attacks, intimidating residents and snatching mobile phones and other valuables.
The Command said residents and community leaders had welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that it would help bring an end to persistent criminal activities in the area.
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Police Intensify Search for Suspect’s Accomplices
Sankolo remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish his alleged involvement in other criminal activities.
The police said efforts were underway to arrest other members of the suspected gang and recover stolen property and weapons allegedly used in committing the crimes.
The Command added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Kano Police Commissioner Commends Officers
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in the operation and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
He called for public cooperation in efforts to tackle kidnapping, thuggery, mobile phone snatching and other violent crimes across Kano State.
The Command said sustained collaboration between security agencies, community leaders and residents remained important to improving safety in affected communities.
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