Kano Police Arrest Sankolo After Earlier Capture Of Notorious Gang Leader Ta’ambo

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected notorious thug, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy in Rimin Kebe, Kano State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the suspect was arrested on November 6, 2026, by operatives of the Zango Police Division during an operation carried out under the police initiative known as Operation Kuka.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, explaining that the arrest followed intelligence gathered after the earlier apprehension of another suspected thug, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, on November 5.

Police identified Sankolo as a principal suspect in the abduction of Ubaidu Sammani, the nine-year-old son of Alhaji Sammani, who was reportedly kidnapped in Rimin Kebe on July 3, 2026. The command noted that some alleged accomplices in the case had already been charged to court, with proceedings currently ongoing.

During preliminary investigations, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in several criminal activities, including thuggery, mobile phone robbery, attacks and intimidation of residents in Rimin Kebe and neighbouring communities.

According to the police, Sankolo allegedly coordinated attacks on residents and participated in the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables. He was also described as a major figure in thuggery-related activities in the area and had been on the command’s wanted list.

The police said the arrest had been welcomed by residents and community leaders, who expressed hope that it would help curb violent activities and restore security in Rimin Kebe and its surrounding areas.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. The command disclosed that efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the alleged gang, recover stolen property and weapons suspected to have been used in criminal activities, and determine whether the suspect was connected to other reported offences.

The police added that Sankolo would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Zango Police Division for their professionalism and timely response. He also appreciated members of the public for providing information that has assisted security operations.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling thuggery, kidnapping, phone snatching, attacks on security personnel and other violent crimes across Kano State.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.