Kano: Police arrest 244 suspects, recover three pistols, 17,684 drug sachets in August

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 244 suspects for various major crimes and recovered firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and stolen vehicles across the state in August 2026.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters, Bompai, Kano, where he gave an update on the security situation and operational achievements of the command during the month.

According to him, those arrested comprised eight suspected kidnappers, 28 suspected armed robbers, seven suspected motor vehicle thieves, 19 suspected drug dealers, 117 suspected thugs, and 65 other suspects.

He attributed the reported reduction in major crimes across the state to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, sustained community engagement, and support from the Kano State government.

Bakori said the command had maintained 24-hour patrols, targeted raids on criminal hideouts, surveillance, and stop-and-search operations; and engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders.

He said the measures had helped restore sustained peace in areas previously identified as volatile, including Dala, Kofar Nassarawa, Sheka, Dorayi, Rimin Kebbe, and Hotoro.

However, the commissioner said police operations were continuing in Bachirawa, Gobirawa, and Tudun Fulani to dismantle the remnants of thuggery.

On the security of Kano’s borders, Bakori said the command had intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance in border communities to prevent the infiltration of bandits and other criminal elements fleeing neighboring states.

He said the command had also increased police visibility at border villages and entry and exit points.

Giving details of major cases recorded during the month, the commissioner said police recovered three pistols and 65 rounds of live ammunition in connection with an alleged gun-running syndicate.

He said the operation began on August 13, when officers acting on information from a good Samaritan intercepted a suspicious parcel at Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park and recovered a Tokarev pistol loaded with 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Further investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department led to the recovery of two additional pistols, one in Kebbi State and another from a 66-year-old suspect, Rabi’u Ahmed Kanti, in Bichi Local Government Area.

Two additional suspects, identified as Abdulmalik Ali, 55, and Armaya’u Lawal, alias “Agwada,” 37, were also arrested while investigations continued.

On illicit drugs, Bakori said police intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 at Tudun Yola, Bajallabe Quarters, on August 25 and arrested its driver, Saminu Samaila, 37, from Safana in Katsina State.

He said the suspect was allegedly transporting about 13,837 sachets of Tramadol from Abuja for distribution in Kano, while additional Tramadol and suspected Ice intoxicants were recovered from the vehicle.

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He added that further investigation led to the recovery of five cartons of suspected Tramadol, three cartons of suspected Diazepam and other illicit drugs at Rimin Auzinawa, with a female suspect arrested for allegedly concealing the drugs.

The commissioner said other drug operations resulted in the arrest of seven suspects and recovery of 614 wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa in Gezawa, while the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested suspected drug dealers at Rijiyar Lemo and recovered suspected Diazepam, Pregabalin, and Exol tablets.

He also disclosed that police arrested a suspected fraudster, Muhammad Dahiru, 46, who allegedly confessed to generating fake bank alerts used to defraud a company of N13.15 million and obtaining seven electric motorcycles valued at N10 million.

On vehicle and property theft, Bakori said the command recovered six stolen motor vehicles, four tricycles, and seven motorcycles during the month.

He said police also arrested suspects involved in the theft of tricycles using a fake-injury disguise, while other stolen vehicles were recovered in Dawakin Tofa and Sharada.

The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested suspects linked to shopbreaking, armed robbery, livestock theft, and unlawful possession of military camouflage.

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Bakori said the command had put in place security arrangements to ensure peaceful political activities and the electoral process.

He said the command held a strategic meeting on August 27 with political party leaders, contestants, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Council of Ulama, civil society organizations, and other security agencies.

He said political actors were warned against hate speech, violence, and activities capable of promoting thuggery.

Bakori said the police would deploy adequate personnel to protect INEC facilities and campaign venues, adding that an Election Security Situation Room and Complaint Response Desk had been established.

He assured political parties of a level playing field but warned that anyone who breached public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The commissioner commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the command and providing what he described as an enabling environment for effective policing.

He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring them that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and keeping Kano State peaceful and secure.