Kano police nab needed thug, 'Sankolo', over kidnapping, cellphone snatching

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected infamous thug, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly generally known as ‘Sankolo’, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping, cellphone snatching and different felony actions in Rimin Kebe and neighbouring communities.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in an announcement issued on Sunday.

According to the assertion, the 22-year-old suspect was arrested on November 6 at about 9:30 pm by operatives of Zango Police Division throughout an operation in Rimin Kebe, following intelligence gathered after the arrest of one other suspected thug, Umar Usman, generally known as ‘Ta’ambo.’

“The suspect was wanted by the Command for his alleged role in thuggery activities in Rimin Kebe and its environs. He was also a principal suspect in the kidnapping of nine-year-old Ubaidu Sammani, son of Alhaji Sammani, who was abducted on July 3, 2026,” the police mentioned.

According to the police, a few of his alleged accomplices had already been charged in courtroom, with their trial ongoing.

“The arrest followed discreet investigations and actionable intelligence obtained after the earlier arrest of ‘Ta’ambo’ on November 5,” he mentioned.

Kiyawa mentioned preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect was concerned in a number of instances of thuggery and cell phone theft in Rimin Kebe and surrounding areas.

He added that the suspect had confessed to coordinating assaults, intimidating residents and snatching cell phones and different valuables.

The police spokesperson mentioned residents and neighborhood leaders had welcomed the arrest.

He mentioned the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, recommended officers of Zango Division for his or her professionalism and well timed motion.

The police mentioned the suspect remained in custody whereas investigations continued.

The assertion added that efforts had been underway to arrest different members of his gang and get better stolen property and weapons allegedly used within the crimes.

The Command mentioned he can be charged in courtroom after a conclusive investigation had been carried out.

It urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious actions to the closest police station or by way of its emergency numbers.