Police arrest infamous thug ‘Sankolo’ over cellphone theft and abduction of 9-year-old boy in Kano

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

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, who disclosed this in an announcement on Sunday, November 8, 2026 mentioned the suspect additionally confessed to involvement in a number of acts of thuggery, cell phone theft, assaults and intimidation of residents.

The 22-year-old suspect was arrested on November 6, by operatives of the Zango Police Division underneath Operation Kuka.

According to the PPRO, Sankolo can be a principal suspect within the kidnapping of Ubaidu Sammani, 9, son of Alhaji Sammani of Rimin Kebe, on July 3, 2026.

According to him, a few of his alleged accomplices had already been charged to courtroom, with trial ongoing.

“The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have arrested another wanted notorious thug, following the earlier arrest of Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, in Rimin Kebe and its environs,” the statement read.

“The operation was carried out underneath the course of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis.

“Following the arrest of ‘Ta’ambo’ on 5th November, 2026, discreet investigation and actionable intelligence obtained led operatives to the second suspect.

“On sixth November, 2026 at about 2130hrs, groups of operatives of Zango Police Division proceeded to Rimin Kebbe, engaged by means of ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ and arrested Abubakar Isma’il, ‘m’, 22 years outdated, of Rimin Kebbe Quarters, Kano, popularly referred to as ‘Sankolo’.

“The suspect, a notorious thug, is on the Command’s wanted list as an arrowhead of thuggery-related activities in and around Rimin Kebbe Quarters, and a principal suspect in a case of kidnapping, where his accomplices have already been charged to court and trial is ongoing.

“He was strongly suspected to have kidnapped a 9-year-old boy, Ubaidu Sammani, son of Alhaji Sammani of Rimin Kebbe, on third July, 2026.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to a series of thuggery activities and mobile phone robbery in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring areas, where he coordinated attacks, intimidation of residents, and snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.

“Residents and group leaders within the affected areas have described the arrest as one other main breakthrough, expressing optimism that it’s going to convey an finish to thuggery actions in Rimin Kebe and its environs.

“The suspect is currently in Police custody and undergoing discreet investigation.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest different members of his gang, get better stolen objects and arms used within the fee of the crimes, and set up his involvement in different reported circumstances.

“Upon completion of investigation, he will be charged to court.”

The Commissioner of Police recommended the officers of Zango Division for his or her professionalism, vigilance and well timed motion, and appreciates members of the general public for his or her continued cooperation and provision of credible info.

The Command reiterated its dedication to rid Kano State of thuggery, cellphone snatching, kidnapping, assaults on safety personnel and all types of violent crimes.

Members of the general public are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or actions to the closest Police Station or by means of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.