Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler, Habibu Bello, and recovered a cine-camera drone during separate clearance operations along the state's borders, in what the command described as a major operational breakthrough. Bello, a resident of Kunkumi Town in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested on September 14, 2026, at about 4:48 p.m. by operatives of the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad following credible intelligence. The suspect is alleged to be a member of a syndicate specialising in kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states.
According to the command's spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the investigation following Bello's arrest led to the arrest of another suspected member of the syndicate, identified as Mudam of Kwanar Dangora. Bello allegedly confessed to several previous kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of Hajiya Binta of Kwanar Dangora, for which a ransom of N20 million was reportedly paid. He was also linked to the kidnapping of a household in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, as well as cattle-rustling activities across the three states. The police said investigation was ongoing, with efforts being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.
In a separate operation, 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, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. during clearance operations, after it was found lying on the ground in the area. The command said efforts were being intensified to trace the source and identify the owner of the device. The recovery of the drone has raised troubling questions about the technological capabilities of criminal networks operating in the region. Drones can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring the movement of security personnel, giving armed groups a significant tactical advantage in the vast and difficult terrain of Nigeria's North-West.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their gallantry and reiterated that the command would sustain aggressive clearance operations in collaboration with neighbouring commands to deny criminal elements any safe haven. He also appreciated the good people of Kano State for their continued support and cooperation, urging them to report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
The operations were conducted in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on sustained interstate handshake patrols and clearance operations along the Kano-Kaduna and Kano-Katsina borders. The focus on border areas reflects a recognition that criminal networks exploit the porous boundaries between states to move fighters, weapons, rustled livestock and kidnapped victims. The arrest of Bello in Makarfi, Kaduna State, and the recovery of the drone in Bebeji, Kano State, underscore the cross-border nature of the security challenge and the need for coordinated responses from multiple police commands.
The arrest of Bello and the recovery of the drone are significant, but they also highlight the scale of the challenge facing security agencies in Nigeria's North-West. The syndicate Bello allegedly belonged to was involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling across three states. The N20 million ransom allegedly paid for Hajiya Binta's release illustrates the financial resources that these criminal networks command. The recovery of a cine-camera drone suggests that the group had access to surveillance technology, which could be used to monitor security operations, track potential victims or coordinate attacks. The fact that the drone was found lying on the ground, rather than being recovered from a suspect, leaves open the possibility that it was lost or abandoned during an operation, or that it belongs to someone other than the syndicate. The police have not established a direct link between the drone and Bello's network, and the investigation into its source and owner is ongoing.
For the people of Kano State, the arrests and recovery are a reminder of the persistent threat posed by armed groups operating in the region. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations. Community cooperation is essential to the success of the fight against kidnapping and banditry, as the police cannot be everywhere at once. The command's decision to publish emergency numbers and appeal for information reflects an understanding that security is a shared responsibility.
The Kano State Police Command has recorded several operational successes in recent months, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers, the rescue of victims and the recovery of weapons and stolen property. The latest operations are part of a broader strategy of sustained pressure on criminal networks, particularly along the state's borders. The Commissioner of Police has assured residents that the command will not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property. For now, the investigation into Bello's network and the drone continues, and the police have promised to provide updates as the case progresses.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the security situation in Kano State and the wider North-West remains a major concern. The police have a responsibility to protect citizens and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful and secure environment. The arrest of Bello and the recovery of the drone are steps in that direction, but much work remains to be done. The people of Kano State deserve to live without fear of kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling. The police have demonstrated their commitment to that goal. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum and to address the root causes of the violence that has plagued the region for far too long.
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