Nigeria: Police arrest suspect over kidnapping of nine-year-old boy in Kano
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Police in Kano State have arrested a 22-year-old man, Abubakar Isma’il, popularly known as Sankolo, over the alleged kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy, Ubaidu Sammani, in the Rimin Kebbe area of the state.
The arrest was announced on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa.
According to the police, Sankolo was arrested on Friday, November 6, by officers attached to the Zango Police Division following intelligence gathered after another suspected thug, Umar Usman, also known as Ta’ambo, was arrested on November 5.
Ta’ambo, 25, had earlier been arrested over alleged involvement in thuggery, phone snatching and attacks on security personnel in Rimin Kebbe and surrounding communities.
The police described Sankolo as a suspected key figure in criminal activities in the area and a principal suspect in the kidnapping of Ubaidu, who was allegedly abducted on July 3, 2026. His alleged accomplices have reportedly already been charged in court.
Kiyawa said the suspect was arrested at about 9:30 pm at Rimin Kebbe Quarters during an operation carried out under the police initiative, Operation Kukan Kura.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to several cases of thuggery and mobile phone robbery in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.
The police also alleged that he coordinated attacks, intimidated residents and participated in the snatching of phones and other valuables.
According to the command, the suspect admitted to involvement in several thuggery-related activities during preliminary questioning.
His arrest has reportedly been welcomed by residents and community leaders, who expressed hope that it would help restore peace and improve security in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the officers involved in the operation and encouraged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
The police said Sankolo remains in custody as investigations continue. Efforts are also underway to track down other suspected gang members and recover stolen property and weapons allegedly used in the crimes.
