The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Ibrahim Rabiu, and recovered an AK-47 rifle with 18 rounds of live ammunition during a security operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed an intensified search operation conducted on Sunday, October 18, 2026, by police operatives attached to the Doguwa Division in collaboration with local hunters known as Yan Bula. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Monday, October 19.
According to the police, the operation began at approximately 6:30 a.m. and was aimed at apprehending suspected kidnappers who had fled into the forest following an earlier confrontation with security personnel and local hunters.
The search also focused on recovering firearms and other materials believed to have been used in criminal activities within Falgore Forest and its surrounding communities.
During the operation, security personnel recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition and arrested Rabiu, a resident of Yardoka Village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Police identified the suspect as a person allegedly connected to the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, a resident of Falgore Village in Doguwa Local Government Area.
According to the command, Aliyu, who had previously regained his freedom following a security operation, identified Rabiu as one of the individuals involved in holding him captive.
The police statement alleged that the suspect regularly guarded the victim at night, supplied him with food and physically assaulted him during his captivity.
These allegations form part of the ongoing police investigation and have not been established by a court.
The command said Rabiu had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of its Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning and investigation.
Investigators are also seeking to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the kidnapping and recover additional evidence.
The latest arrest follows an earlier operation in Falgore Forest during which two suspected kidnappers were killed and ₦10 million in ransom money was recovered.
According to the police account of that operation, three suspected kidnappers had emerged from the forest to collect a ransom demanded for Aliyu's release.
The victim was released after the suspects reportedly collected the money, but the armed men encountered local hunters while returning towards their hideout.
During the confrontation, two of the suspects were killed, while another reportedly escaped with injuries.
Police subsequently recovered the ₦10 million ransom and began searching the surrounding forest for those who had escaped.
One of the deceased suspects was identified in the earlier police statement as Dogo Isah, described as a commercial motorcycle operator from Maigwanda Village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The police also reported that Aliyu was medically examined and reunited with his family following his release.
The earlier operation prompted additional security measures aimed at locating fleeing suspects and recovering weapons connected to the kidnapping.
Sunday's search, which resulted in Rabiu's arrest and the recovery of the rifle, formed part of those follow-up efforts.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the local hunters for their cooperation with security personnel and their contribution to operations in the forest.
Bakori said their participation had supported Operation Kukan Kura, the police-led security initiative targeting kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in affected communities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting residents and travellers while maintaining pressure on criminal groups operating around Falgore Forest.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, describing cooperation between residents and law enforcement personnel as important to crime prevention.
Falgore Forest, which extends across a large area of southern Kano State, has featured in security operations involving suspected kidnappers and armed criminal groups.
Its extensive terrain and surrounding rural settlements have presented challenges for security personnel attempting to track suspects who move between forest locations and neighbouring communities.
The latest operation illustrates the continuing collaboration between conventional security agencies and local hunters who possess knowledge of the terrain.
However, the police have not disclosed whether the recovered AK-47 rifle has been conclusively linked through forensic examination to the earlier kidnapping.
The command has also not announced the completion of its investigation or the filing of criminal charges against Rabiu.
The suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, security personnel are continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the kidnapping and recover any additional weapons or evidence.
The Kano State Police Command has appealed to residents of Doguwa and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
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