The Kano State Police Command has rescued the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Rogo Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka, after spending 68 days in the hands of kidnappers, with two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction.
The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition during the operation, which the Command described as a major breakthrough in its efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates operating in Kano and neighbouring states.
Fanka was reportedly kidnapped on September 1, 2026, and remained in captivity for 68 days before operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad successfully rescued him unharmed following sustained intelligence gathering, investigations and coordinated security operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Kano State Police Command said the rescue followed investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery involving the APC chairman.
The Command disclosed that the first suspect, identified as 25-year-old Shu’aibu Sulaiman, popularly known as Lemu, was arrested on October 18 at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during interrogation and provided useful information that assisted operatives in making further arrests and advancing the investigation.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, identified as Mansur Usman, from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The police alleged that Usman served as a driver for the kidnapping syndicate, transporting victims from one hideout to another across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
The Command confirmed that two suspects had so far been arrested in connection with the case, adding that both were in police custody while investigations continued to establish the full extent of their activities and identify other members of the criminal network.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition, which the police said were among the exhibits connected to the investigation.
Presenting the rescued APC chairman to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the successful operation was conducted in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on sustained intelligence-led operations and community-centred policing.
The police commissioner explained that the operation reflected the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence gathering, effective investigations and coordinated deployment of personnel.
Governor Yusuf commended CP Bakori and officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for their efforts, particularly the successful rescue of the victim after more than two months in captivity.
The governor also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Police Command and other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and protect lives and property across Kano State.
In response, CP Bakori appreciated the governor for his continued support and commitment to strengthening security in the state.
The Commissioner of Police also warned criminal elements that Kano State would not provide a safe haven for their activities, urging residents to support the police with timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crimes and apprehending suspects.
The Command further disclosed that efforts were being intensified to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, assuring that the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The rescue comes amid continuing security concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes across parts of the country, with the Kano Police Command reiterating its determination to strengthen intelligence-led operations and improve public safety.
