The Kano State Police Command says it arrested 244 suspects for various major offences and recovered firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and stolen vehicles during operations across the state in August 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
Bakori said the arrests and recoveries were achieved through intelligence-led operations, sustained patrols, targeted raids, surveillance and collaboration with communities and other security agencies.
He said the command recorded a reduction in major crimes during the month, attributing the development to proactive policing and increased engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders.
According to him, those arrested comprised eight suspected kidnappers, 28 suspected armed robbers, seven suspected motor vehicle thieves, 19 suspected drug dealers, 117 suspected thugs and 65 other suspects linked to various offences.
Police Sustain Operations In Criminal Hotspots
Bakori said the command had sustained operations in parts of Kano metropolis previously identified as criminal hotspots.
He listed Dala, Kofar Nassarawa, Sheka, Dorayi, Rimin Kebbe and Hotoro among areas where sustained police operations had helped restore peace.
The commissioner, however, said operations were ongoing in Bachirawa, Gobirawa and Tudun Fulani to dismantle remaining pockets of thuggery.
He urged residents of the affected communities to provide credible and timely information to the police to support the ongoing operations.
On security along the state’s borders, Bakori said surveillance and intelligence gathering had been intensified to prevent the infiltration of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements from neighbouring states.
He said police visibility had also been increased at border communities and entry and exit points to ensure that Kano did not become a safe haven for criminals fleeing other states.
Police Recover 17,684 Drug Sachets
The commissioner disclosed that police recovered 17,684 sachets and 614 wraps of suspected illicit drugs during the month.
The recoveries included 17,070 sachets and five cartons of suspected Tramadol, 49 sachets, three cartons and 18 packs of suspected Diazepam, 90 sachets of Pregabalin, 210 Exol tablets, 614 wraps of suspected Indian hemp and quantities of suspected Ice.
In one of the major operations, police intercepted a Volkswagen Golf at Tudun Yola, Bajallabe Quarters, on August 25 following intelligence provided by the Nigeria Unity and Stability Corps.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Saminu Samaila from Safana in Katsina State, was arrested after police allegedly found a large consignment of Tramadol concealed in the vehicle.
Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had transported about 13,837 sachets of Tramadol from Abuja for delivery to an individual in Bajallabe.
Further investigation reportedly led to the recovery of additional cartons of suspected Tramadol and Diazepam at Rimin Auzinawa in Kano, while a female suspect was arrested in connection with the alleged concealment of the drugs.
Police also reported the arrest of seven suspects and recovery of 614 wraps of suspected cannabis at Gunduwawa Village in Gezawa Local Government Area on August 14.
Three Pistols, 65 Ammunition Recovered
Bakori said three pistols and 65 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during investigations into suspected gun-running activities.
He said the investigation commenced on August 13 after police received information from a good Samaritan and intercepted a suspicious parcel at Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park.
A Tokarev pistol loaded with 48 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was reportedly recovered from the parcel.
Further investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department led to the recovery of two additional pistols and more ammunition in Kano and neighbouring Kebbi State.
The police also arrested additional suspects in connection with the alleged gun-running syndicate, with investigations still ongoing.
Police Recover Stolen Vehicles, Tricycles
The command also recorded successes in tackling vehicle and property theft.
Bakori said six motor vehicles, four tricycles and seven motorcycles linked to criminal activities were recovered during the month.
Among the cases was the arrest of a suspect identified as Isah Yusuf, from whom police recovered a stolen Pontiac vehicle traced to Taraba State and Niger Republic.
The Special Intervention Squad also arrested suspected vehicle thieves and recovered two stolen vehicles.
Police further dismantled a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing tricycles by disguising themselves as injured persons, recovering four tricycles in the process.
Additional stolen vehicles were recovered from Sabon Gari Market in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area and Sharada Quarters in Kano.
Police Begin Preparations For 2027 Elections
The commissioner said the command had commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections as political activities intensify across the state.
He disclosed that the command held a strategic engagement on August 27 with political party leaders, contestants, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, INEC, the Council of Ulama, civil society organisations and other security agencies.
Bakori said the stakeholders were urged to reject hate speech, violence and activities capable of promoting political thuggery.
He added that adequate personnel would be deployed to protect INEC facilities and campaign venues, while an Election Security Situation Room and Complaint Response Desk had been established.
“We assure all parties of a level playing field,” Bakori said, warning that anyone who breaches public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Kano State.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support to the police and appreciated residents for their cooperation and timely provision of information.
Bakori urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency communication channels.
