The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of being part of a kidnapping and cattle-rustling syndicate operating in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the suspect, Habibu Bello, was arrested on September 14, 2026, during a targeted operation by the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad. Bello, a resident of Kunkumi Town in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was apprehended following credible intelligence.
The police stated that Bello was involved in several kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle-rustling activities across the three states. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Mudam, from Kwanar Dangora, who was also allegedly linked to the syndicate. The police said Bello confessed to several kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of Hajiya Binta from Kwanar Dangora, for which a ransom of N20 million was allegedly paid.
According to the police, Bello also confessed to kidnapping a household in Gwarzo Local Government Area and collecting ransom, as well as participating in cattle rustling across Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states. The suspect's arrest is a significant breakthrough in the police's efforts to combat kidnapping and related crimes in the region. The police command is yet to reveal more details about the syndicate and its operations.
In a separate operation, the police recovered a Cine-Camera Drone during a clearance operation in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State. The drone, marked GT 50, was found lying on the ground at Hawan Tarau village on September 17. The command said efforts were underway to determine the source and owner of the drone.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives and said the command would continue its clearance operations with neighbouring police commands. The police command's efforts to combat kidnapping and related crimes have been intensified in recent times, with several suspects arrested and operations conducted in the region.
The arrest of Habibu Bello and Mudam is a significant achievement for the Kano State Police Command, and it demonstrates the commitment of the police to tackling the menace of kidnapping and cattle rustling in the region. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
The police command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad has been working closely with other security agencies to combat kidnapping and related crimes in the region. The squad's efforts have led to the arrest of several suspects and the rescue of kidnapped victims. The police have appealed to the public to provide them with credible intelligence to help them tackle the menace of kidnapping and related crimes.
Key points
- Habibu Bello, a 35-year-old man, was arrested by the Kano State Police Command for allegedly being part of a kidnapping and cattle-rustling syndicate operating in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states.
- The suspect confessed to several kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of Hajiya Binta from Kwanar Dangora, for which a ransom of N20 million was allegedly paid.
- The police recovered a Cine-Camera Drone during a separate clearance operation in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.
