The Kano State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped 9-year-boy unhurt after nearly four weeks in captivity and arrested 10 suspects.
The spokesperson for the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on July 31, 2026 said the suspects, including nine men and one woman, were arrested through sustained follow up and intelligence-led policing.
Further investigation identified a fleeing suspect, Abubakar Salihu ‘m’, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, as the principal suspect and mastermind.
According to the PPRO, the suspects abducted the boy identified as Ubaiyu Muhammad Sammania on 6th July at Rimin Kebbe and demanded $30,000 for his release.
Kiyawa said the boy was rescued on 31st July at Karshen Kwata, Rimin Kebbe, behind the residence of the fleeing principal suspect,
“The Kano State Police Command has successfully rescued 9-year-old Ubaiyu Muhammad Sammani of Rimin Kebbe Quarters, Kano, unhurt, and arrested 10 suspects comprising 9 males and 1 female in connection with his kidnap,” the statement read.
“This feat was achieved by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the direct supervision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, SFIPMA, MNIM, MNIPS, MASIS, through sustained follow up, intelligence-led and community-centred policing in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.
“On 9th July, 2026, a resident of Rimin Kebbe reported that his biological son was kidnapped by unknown persons on 6th July, 2026.
“The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of 30,000 US Dollars for the victim’s release.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately commenced investigation.
“Leveraging technical support, sustained follow up, and credible information from the community, the Command arrested 10 suspects linked to the crime.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects participated in the crime in various capacities, including unlawful trespass, keeping the kidnapped victim, communication of ransom demands, and facilitating the movement of the victim to different locations.
“Further investigation identified one Abubakar Salihu ‘m’, popularly known as ‘Sankolo’, 25 years old, of Rimin Kebbe Quarters, as the principal suspect and mastermind. He is currently at large and efforts are being intensified to apprehend him.
“Through sustained surveillance and tactical deployment, the victim was successfully rescued on 31st July, 2026 at about 0830hrs at Karshen Kwata, Rimin Kebbe, behind the residence of the fleeing principal suspect, in Inusawa, Ungogo LGA.
“The victim was found unhurt and was immediately taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano for medical check-up.
“The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
“CP Bakori commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for their dedication and professionalism.
“He reiterated the Command’s commitment to stamping out kidnapping and violent crime in Kano State through proactive policing and partnership with the public.
“He urged residents to continue to provide useful and timely information to the Police, assuring that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
