The Kano State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 3,081 suspects for various crimes across the state between January and December 2025, as part of intensified efforts to combat criminality and sustain peace.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2025 end-of-year press briefing held at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
Bakori said the arrests were made across 78 police divisions, 11 area commands and seven tactical units, covering offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and drug trafficking to thuggery, vehicle theft and fraud.
He explained that upon assuming office on March 17, 2025, he carried out a comprehensive threat assessment, which revealed major security challenges, including thuggery (Fadan Daba), mobile phone robbery and drug abuse in Kano metropolis, threats of bandit infiltration in 17 border local government areas, and farmers-herders clashes in several rural communities.
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According to him, the command adopted a crime-mapping strategy in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, leading to the implementation of enhanced community policing, intelligence-led operations, joint border patrols with other security agencies, expansion of the cybercrime unit and the launch of “Operation Kukan Kura.”
Giving a breakdown of arrests, the CP said 146 armed robbery suspects, 50 kidnapping suspects, 112 drug dealers, 85 motor vehicle thieves, 45 tricycle thieves, 83 motorcycle thieves, 154 thieves, 56 fraud suspects and 2,350 suspected thugs were apprehended within the period under review.
He also disclosed that 14 kidnapped victims were rescued by operatives of the command.
On recoveries, Bakori said the police recovered nine AK-47 rifles, 13 pistols, eight revolver pistols, three pump-action rifles, 63 locally made firearms, 198 rounds of live ammunition, 28 cartridges and several dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, knives, axes, swords and clubs.
Other recovered items included 94 vehicles, 52 tricycles, 99 motorcycles, 15 cattle, mobile phones, POS machines, ATM and SIM cards, as well as large consignments of illicit drugs such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, pregabalin, diazepam, codeine syrup and other intoxicants.
Bakori said the successes recorded had significantly reduced crimes such as thuggery and mobile phone robbery in the state, adding that farmers-herders clashes and threats of bandit infiltration had also been largely contained through community-based approaches and proactive policing.
Looking ahead to 2026, the commissioner assured residents that the command would sustain and improve on existing strategies, including increased visibility patrols, intelligence gathering, manpower and equipment deployment at border areas, and public enlightenment through conventional and social media platforms.
He commended the Kano State Government, other security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community groups, vigilantes, civil society organisations and the media for their support and cooperation, while also praising officers and men of the command for their dedication and sacrifices.
Bakori said the improved security situation had ushered in a new wave of peace and stability needed for the political and economic growth of the state and the country, thanking God for the successes recorded and wishing residents a peaceful and prosperous 2026.
