Kano police arrest two suspects over alleged kidnapping syndicate; drone recovered separately
The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested two men in an investigation into an alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle-rustling syndicate operating across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states.
In a separate operation, police also recovered a cine-camera drone in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.
Authorities have not established any connection between the recovered drone and either suspect.
Police spokesperson CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested Habibu Bello, 35, of Kunkumi Town in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State, on September 14 following what the command described as credible intelligence.
Police allege Bello was a member of a syndicate involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling across the three states.
An arrest or police allegation does not establish guilt, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
Police say investigation led to second arrest
According to the command, the investigation following Bello’s arrest led to the arrest of another man identified as Mudam of Kwanar Dangora.
Police say Bello confessed to involvement in previous kidnapping incidents and cattle rustling, including an abduction for which ₦20 million was allegedly paid as ransom.
The command also alleges that he was involved in the kidnapping of a household in Gwarzo LGA and cattle-rustling activity across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.
Those remain police allegations. IDNN has not independently verified the alleged offences or the reported confession, and no court finding establishing either suspect’s guilt is contained in the material reviewed.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts continuing to identify and arrest other alleged members of the group and recover weapons said to have been used in its operations.
Drone recovered in separate Bebeji operation
Separately, police said operatives recovered a cine-camera drone marked GT 50 at Hawan Tarau Village in Bebeji LGA on September 17.
The command said the drone was found on the ground during a clearance operation and that officers were working to establish its source and owner.
No evidence reviewed by IDNN establishes that the drone belonged to Bello, Mudam or the alleged syndicate.
That distinction is material: the drone recovery should not be presented as evidence against the arrested men unless investigators later establish such a connection.
Investigation continues
Kano Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said the command would continue clearance operations alongside neighbouring police commands.
Police also urged residents to report suspicious activity while investigations continue.
The next developments to watch are whether the suspects are formally charged, what offences prosecutors may allege, and whether investigators identify the owner or purpose of the recovered drone.
No response from either suspect or their legal representatives was contained in the source material reviewed by IDNN.
