Kano Police Arrest 244 Suspects in August Crackdown, Recover Drugs and Vehicles
Police say intelligence-led operations across Kano targeted kidnapping, robbery, thuggery, drug-related offences and vehicle theft, with hundreds of suspects arrested during the month.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 244 suspects in connection with various alleged criminal offences across the state during August 2026. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed the figure during a briefing at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano. According to the police, the arrests resulted from intelligence-led operations, sustained patrols, targeted raids, surveillance and cooperation with residents and other security agencies. The suspects reportedly included eight suspected kidnappers, 28 suspected armed robbers, seven suspected vehicle thieves, 19 suspected drug dealers, 117 suspected thugs and 65 others linked to various offences.
The command said the operations were particularly focused on areas identified as criminal flashpoints within Kano metropolis. Police named Dala, Kofar Nassarawa, Sheka, Dorayi, Rimin Kebbe and Hotoro among areas where security conditions had reportedly improved following intensified operations. However, Bakori said efforts were continuing in Bachirawa, Gobirawa and Tudun Fulani to dismantle what the police described as remaining networks of suspected thugs. The commissioner also said surveillance had been strengthened around Kano’s borders to prevent criminals from neighbouring states from using the state as a refuge.
The police also reported significant recoveries during the month, including 17,684 sachets and 614 wraps of suspected illicit substances. The seizures reportedly included suspected Tramadol, Diazepam, Pregabalin, Exol tablets and Indian hemp, among other substances. One major operation occurred on August 25, when officers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf at Tudun Yola following intelligence from members of the public. Police said approximately 13,837 sachets of suspected Tramadol were discovered, while further investigation led to additional recoveries and arrests.
In separate investigations into suspected gun-running activities, the command said it recovered three pistols and 65 rounds of live ammunition. Police said the investigation began after officers intercepted a suspicious parcel at Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park on August 13. Further inquiries reportedly resulted in the recovery of additional firearms in Kano and neighbouring Kebbi State. The command also recovered six motor vehicles, four tricycles and seven motorcycles allegedly connected to criminal activities. Police said the recoveries formed part of wider efforts to disrupt criminal networks and prevent stolen property and vehicles from being used to facilitate offences.
Bakori attributed the reported reduction in major crimes across parts of Kano to proactive policing, intelligence gathering, community engagement and sustained security operations. He urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, saying public cooperation remained essential to preventing crime. The commissioner also disclosed that the command had begun preparations for security challenges associated with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders urged to reject hate speech, violence and political thuggery. He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace across Kano State.
