Get Guardian on GoogleKano Police Command has arrested a 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 Kebbe area of the state.
The arrest followed the earlier apprehension of another suspected gang leader, Umar Usman, known as ‘Ta’ambo’, in an operation targeting criminal activities in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring communities.
In a release by the command Spokesperson SP Haruna Kiyawa revealed the arrest was carried out by operatives of Zango Police Division in 6th November 2026, following intelligence.
Sankolo was arrested after declared wanted for allegedly leading a thuggery-related activities in Rimin Kebbe and its environs.
He was also described as a principal suspect in the kidnapping of Ubaidu Sammani, the nine-year-old son of Alhaji Sammani, who was reportedly abducted on July 3, 2026.
According to the police, some of his alleged accomplices had already been charged to court, with trial currently ongoing.
According to the spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in several thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies in Rimin Kebbe and neighbouring areas.
He was also alleged to have coordinated attacks, intimidation of residents and the snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.
The Command said the arrest had been welcomed by residents and community leaders, who expressed optimism that it would help end persistent thuggery and related criminal activities in the area.
The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged gang and recover stolen property and weapons suspected to have been used in committing the crimes.
The police said Sankolo would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations while the Command commended officers of Zango Division for their professionalism and timely action, while appreciating members of the public for providing credible information that assisted the operation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling thuggery, phone snatching, kidnapping, attacks on security personnel and other violent crimes across the state.
