The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler, Habibu Bello, during clearance operations along the Kano-Kaduna and Kano-Katsina border areas. Bello, of Kunkumi Town, Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was apprehended on September 14 following credible intelligence received by operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The command's spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the police, Bello was arrested at about 4:48 pm during a targeted operation and was suspected to be a member of a syndicate involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle rustling across Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states. The investigation following his arrest also led to the arrest of another suspected member of the syndicate, identified as Mudam of Kwanar Dangora. The command said Bello confessed to several previous kidnapping incidents.
Bello allegedly participated in the kidnapping of Hajiya Binta of Kwanar Dangora, for which N20m was paid as ransom. He was also alleged to have participated in the kidnapping of a household in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, as well as cattle-rustling activities across Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states. The police said the investigation was ongoing, with efforts being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.
In a separate development, police operatives recovered a cine-camera drone marked GT 50 at Hawan Tarau Village in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State. The drone was recovered on September 17 at about 2 pm during clearance operations after it was found lying on the ground in the area. The police said efforts are being intensified to trace the source and the owner of the drone.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the operatives for their gallantry and assured residents that the command would sustain clearance operations in collaboration with neighboring commands. He said the command would deny criminal elements any safe haven. Bakori also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency numbers.
The CP further appreciated the good people of Kano State for their continued support and cooperation and urged them to report suspicious movements to the nearest Police Station. The police command's efforts to curb kidnapping and other crimes in the state have been intensified, with operatives working to bring perpetrators to justice.
The arrest and recovery of the drone are a significant breakthrough in the police command's efforts to tackle insecurity in Kano State. The command's proactive measures have led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims and the arrest of suspected kidnappers in recent weeks, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents.
Key points
- - The Kano State Police Command arrested a 35-year-old suspected kidnapper, Habibu Bello. - A cine-camera drone marked GT 50 was recovered in Kano State. - The police command will sustain clearance operations to deny criminal elements any safe haven.
