28/12/2023
END OF THE YEAR PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND, CP MOHAMMED USAINI GEMEL, FIPMA, psc ON THE SUCCESS STORY OF THE COMMAND REGARDING ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS TACKLING CASES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, KIDNAPPING, MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT, AND ASSOCIATED VIOLENT CRIMES IN KANO STATE
Thursday, 28th December, 2023 At The Police Headquarters Bompai-Kano
Ladies and gentlemen of the press;
Let me begin with a very warm welcome to all of you as we gather here today to present to you some of the recent remarkable achievements of the Police Command. Please note that there were relentless efforts during the last one month by our personnel towards combating violent crimes, especially human trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, motor vehicle theft, and associated criminal activities across the state as the year 2023 is winding up. In these circumstances, there are remarkable success stories achieved by the State Police Command in curbing these criminal activities and as well promoting the well-being of our residents and the overall peace and security of our beloved State.
2. In the area of tackling offences around human trafficking including the buying and selling of minors, the Police Command has conducted several intelligence-led operations through which the longtime cycle of inter-state trafficking syndicates hibernating around Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo States, etc was identified and dismantled. In this commitment, a total of nine (9) suspects were arrested with seven (7) victims who are mostly minors being rescued from the clutches of this harrowing criminal activities. It was through diligent investigations by our dedicated teams of officers that the operations of these criminal networks that have been in existence for more than 10 years were identified. This is part of our determination to ensure that Kano State remains a place where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld. Therefore, the general public should remain assured that this police command under my watch has put in place reinforced security measures to end this kind of sensitive illegal acts once and for all.
3. In furtherance, let me reiterate that the Police Command is fully committed to demonstrating its exceptional prowess in tackling all forms of crimes headlong through the employment of more commitments through intelligence-led operations, leveraging on all available technology, and the application of police and community partnership initiatives. It is through these commitments that, in recent times, the Command successfully neutralized many kidnapping networks. Just on this eve of Xmas and New Year, another five (5) gang members bringing to a total of eleven (11) arrowheads of the network were apprehended with two more victims being rescued. Furthermore, it is our Intention to collaborate further with the state government to ensure that all the abducted children are safely returned to their original family members. These efforts have not only sent a powerful message but will further deter potential criminals and reinforce the notion that the police Command will not tolerate any form of criminality that poses a threat to the safety and well-being of its residents.
4. In addition to combating human trafficking and kidnapping, the Police Command has resolutely tackled the menace of motor vehicle theft through the use of innovative strategies such as the application of technical equipment in surveillance and consistently embarking on more intelligence-led operations. On the Command's tackling of incidences of motor vehicle thefts, you are all witnesses that it has been significantly reduced, leading to the recent dismantling of a cross-border motor vehicles armed robbery syndicate of which during the last five days (05) a total of eleven (11) suspects were arrested, with recovery from them two (2) Revolver Pistols and five (5) stolen vehicles.
5. Additionally and in a separate operation another nine (9) suspects were arrested and thirty-nine (39) stolen mobile phones, some stolen motorcycles, thirty-three (33) ATM cards, and some dangerous weapons were recovered from them.
6. At this point, the Police Command would like to express its gratitude to all the media outlets in the state for their consistent support, timely and accurate information dissemination to the public. However, we are still urging the media to continue working with the Police Command in spreading more awareness about the efforts we are making towards combating crimes and ensuring the safety of all residents in Kano State. By and large, the achievements presented today would not have been possible without the support, encouragement, and cooperation of the good people of Kano State. We are also fully aware of the indispensable role being played by residents in their reporting of suspicious activities, providing accurate information, and cooperation we are getting amongst the relevant security agencies. This robust synergy amongst the police, sister security agencies, and the community being promoted by the media no doubt has resulted in these remarkable achievements.
7. On the final note, while I appreciate the confidence and friendship gesture being extended by the good people of the State to the Police Command, I also thank everyone for their commitment to prayers, understanding, encouragement, continuous support, and cooperation. I'm also calling on everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items they come across to the nearest Police Station or through any of the following emergency contacts: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or log in to the NPF Rescue Me Application available on Google Play Store, or through the following Online Media Platforms:
Facebook: Kano State Police Command
Twitter: Kano State Police Command ()
Instagram: Kano State Police Command
Tiktok: Kano State Police Command.
At this point, I wish you a prosperous New Year 2024 in Advance!!!
DETAILS OF CASES
HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES
THE DISMANTLING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE THAT SPECIALIZED IN ABDUCTION, BUYING AND SELLING OF MINORS
On 15/12/2023 at about 1535hrs, a team of Policemen, while on intelligence-led surveillance duties at Mariri Luxurious Park Kano, intercepted one Comfort Amos, aged 45 years, 'f' of Tudun Wada Quarters while transiting to Lagos with a child, one Abdulmutalib Sa'ad, aged 5 years, 'm', of Zango Quarters in Bauchi State. At the stage of Preliminary investigation, four (4) other suspects namely; (1) Chika Ezugbu, aged 52 years, 'f' of Sabon Gari Quarters, (2) Joy Nzelu, aged 43 years, 'f' of Sabon Gari Quarters (3) Clement Ali, aged 35 years, 'm' of Badawa Quarters, Kano, and (4) Emeka Ekeidigwe, aged 55 years, ‘m’, of Weitherhead Sabon Gari Quarters Kano were separately arrested for being part of the syndicate that is committing the crimes. It was discovered during the investigation that the child Abdulmutalib Sa'ad, aged 5 years, 'm', of Zango Quarters was abducted on 12/12/2023 from Bauchi State. Further investigation revealed that the suspects are in the same cycle of abducting, buying and selling minors from Bauchi and Kano States, trafficking and selling them to people within their racket in different locations in Lagos and Anambra States.
In addition, two (2) more syndicate members were arrested in Bauchi, namely; (1) Ruth Yarima, aged 45 years, 'f', of Zango Quarters Bauchi and (2) Abner Samuel, aged 35 years, 'm', of Yelwa LGA Bauchi State. While one other syndicate member was also arrested in Lagos State; she is Nndemma Obi, indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, aged 59 years, through whom another syndicate member was also arrested at Anambra State; She is Ebere Eriobuna, aged 59 years, ‘f’, of Nnewi. This brought the total number of the child on trafficking syndicate suspects to nine (9) among them seven (7) children between the ages of 3-8 have been rescued by the Police.
It was found during investigations that another victim Mohammed Ilya who was abducted from Bauchi but his name changed to Chidebere was sold recently at Nnewi in Anambra State. He has also been rescued. On this, members of the public should be assured that as thorough investigations are ongoing by the police command for justice to be served, Kano residents should know that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state. Below are the pathetic story on how the network was run over the last ten (10) years:
Abdulmutallib Sa’ad, aged 5 years, 'm', was abducted from Bauchi, his name changed to Ifenyin Chukwu and sold at ₦480,000:00, but rescued by the police at Mariri Luxurious Park.
Asiya Muktar, her name changed to Chioma, sold N480,000 aged 4 years, 'f', abducted from Bauchi, and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Quarters, Kano.
Mahmud Bilyaminu, aged 3 years, 'm', abducted from Bauchi, re-named Chioma, sold for N450,000 and rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Usman Adamu, aged 8 years, 'm', abducted from Bauchi, sold at ₦450,000:00, and his name changed to Chibuke also rescued at Yoruba Road, Sabon Gari Kano.
- Hafizu Hassan, aged 8 years, 'm', abducted from Bauchi, sold at ₦480,000:00, and his name changed to Uche Chukwu rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano.
- Chiamaka Ambrose, aged 7 years, 'f', abducted on birthday at Yelwa Bauchi, sold at ₦300,000:00, rescued at Niger Road, Sabon Gari Kano, we are still searching for her parents.
Mohammed Iliya, aged 5 years, ‘m’, abducted from Bauchi 3 years back, sold at ₦500,000:00, and renamed as “Chidebere” been rescued at Nnewi, Anambra State.
Some of these children are cultured and assimilated as they can no longer speak their parents' language.
KIDNAPPING CASES
ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER AND RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIM:
On 19/12/2023, Aminu Garba, aged 35 years, 'm', of Danbatta LGA reported that on 16/12/2023 at about 18:30, his 3-year-old son, Auwalu Aminu, of the same address went missing. All efforts to trace or know his whereabouts proved abortive until 17/12/2023 when he received an anonymous phone call claiming responsibility for the kidnap of the child and demanding a ransom of one million naira (₦1,000,000:00). Concerted follow-up by police operatives led to the arrest of Salisu Adamu, aged 18 years, 'm', of the same address. On investigation, the suspect confessed that he singlehandedly carried out the kidnapping and led the operatives to where the victim was kept in seclusion in Gwale LGA Kano and was rescued accordingly. In a subsequent action, the victim was taken to hospital where he received medical attention and got united with his family members. The suspect will soon be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AND RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE AK-47 RIFLE AND REVOLVER GUN:
While acting on credible intelligence received on 23/12/2023 at about 13:00, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping unit of the command arrested the following suspects around Bagauda/Gargai Forest and were found in possession of a locally made AK-47 rifle and a revolver gun. During the investigation, the suspects confessed to being part of a series of kidnapping activities around Bebeji and surrounding areas. They are:
1. Safiyanu Alhaji Hudu, aged 22 years, 'm'.
2. Abdullahi Haruna Alias Datti, aged 23 years, 'm', both of Tiga Town, Bebeji LGA, Kano State. The case is under investigation.
ARREST OF SELF-KIDNAP CRIMINAL AND HIS OTHER ACCOMPLICE
Following a report of kidnapping by one Yusuf Isah, 'm', of PRP Bus Stop Kano on 18/12/2023 at about 0800, who said his brother, Usman Nasiru, aged 24 years, 'm', of the same address, left home and did not return until on 19/12/202 when there was a follow-ups phone call received by Hajiya Suwaiba Yusha'u, the mother of Usman Nasiru, from the supposed victim claiming that he was kidnapped and a ransom of six hundred thousand (₦600,000:00) was demanded for his release. On receipt of the report, teams of operatives from the Anti-kidnapping unit of the command swung into action and rescued the victim. Further investigation revealed that the victim criminally falsified the kidnapping and conspired with the following suspects:
1. Dahiru Suleiman Alias scorpion, aged 27 years, 'm' (also arrested).
2. Nasiru Snu Alias Teacher, 'm', now at large, who alongside one other person, kept the victim in their room and demanded the ransom.
The suspects confessed to the crime with the investigation in progress.
MOTOR VEHICLE CASES
ARREST AND DISMANTLING OF MEMBERS OF 11-MAN GANG ENGAGING IN CROSS-BORDER ARMED ROBBERY IN KANO WITH MARADI/ZINDAR IN NIGER REPUBLIC BEING THE FINAL DESTINATION AND RECOVERY OF TWO (02) BERETTA PISTOLS AND THE TWO STOLEN VEHICLES:
On 24/12/23 at about 05:50, a distress call was received at the command control room that on the same date at about 04:30, a residence located at Yahaya Gusau Road Sharada was under siege by armed robbers. Consequently, a team of operatives responded quickly and identified the resident of one Yusuf Baba Wapa. They found him already tied up with a rope. The armed robbers also made away with two of his vehicles: a Toyota Rav-4 Black in colour, a 2021 model with Reg No. KAR 962 BZ, and the other, a Honda Accord with Reg. No: ABC 303 JP, black in color. In addition, two of his mobile phones were stolen. Combined teams of Police Operatives collectively intensified efforts to trail and arrest the suspects. The combined team successfully recovered the two vehicles, with one of the suspects, Gambo Fahad, arrested after a hot chase, while Nafi’u Umar escaped and abandoned the second stolen vehicle at Jibiya in Katsina State, near the Niger Republic Border. During a mop-up action, the Police Command arrested the principal suspect, Sadiq Ismail, aged 20 years, ‘m’, of Rijiyar Lemo Quarters Kano, from whom one Beretta Pistol with 4 rounds of ammunition was recovered. Six (6) other accomplices were arrested in the same Gwammaja hideout in Kano Metropolis, where an additional Beretta pistol and 4 rounds of ammunition were also recovered from a neutralized victim after an exchange of fire with the police. All the suspects confessed to the crime and further claimed to have sold many stolen motor vehicles in Niger Republic. The case is under investigation.
ARREST OF CAR THIEVES AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE:
On 21/12/2023 at about 4 pm, based on credible information received, a team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS), while on surveillance patrol along Mariri Quarters Kano, intercepted and arrested one Suleiman Ibrahim, aged 27 years, ‘m’, of Kashere, and Gambo Muhammad, aged 21 years, ‘m’ of Fantami, both in Gombe State. They were arrested while in possession of a Toyota Camry, Dark Green in Colour with Reg No: SRZ 921 SU. During the course of the investigation, the suspects confessed to having stolen the vehicle at the International Hotel in Gombe, Gombe State. The investigation is in progress.
ARREST OF MOTOR VEHICLE ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE:
On 23/12/2023 at about 7 am, a report was received from one Aminu Isah, aged 33 years, ‘m’, of Tudun Yola Quarters Kano that on the same date at about 3 am, some hoodlums, about seven in number armed with pistol and knives, attacked him at the same address and robbed his vehicle Toyota Corolla red in colour, registration number yet unknown, including a motorcycle and mobile phones. On investigation, one of the suspects was arrested at Zaria in Kaduna State, and the vehicle was also recovered. The case is under investigation.
In a related incident, there was another arrest of some Motor Vehicle Thieves and Recovery of the Stolen Vehicle from Port Harcourt on 27/12/2023 at about 2000hrs where Two Suspected Car Snatchers Viz: Muhammed Abdulkadir Aged 37yrs ‘M’ Of Gonge Maiduguri and Ismaila Muhammed Agrd 34yrs ‘M’ Of Danbare Hawan Dawaki Kumbotso LGA were both arrested at Nana Oil located at Sharada. These suspects were found to be in Possession of one Ash Coloured Rav4 Mini Jeep with Reg No Abc 747 HK. Both Suspects confessed that they conspired with one other person Abdullahi Kigo and stole the said Vehicle from Port Harcourt in Rivers State. Meanwhile, the Police Investigation is still ongoing.
OTHER CASES:
ARREST OF TWO MOBILE PHONE THIEVES WHILE ON TRANSIT FROM NASSARAWA TO KANO AND RECOVERY OF 39 STOLEN MOBILE PHONES:
On 17/12/2023 at about 16:30, Police Operatives attached to the Anti Daba Squad, while acting on credible information, intercepted two suspected thieves and recovered thirty-nine (39) suspected stolen Mobile Phones of different brands. The suspects arrested are; (1) Abbah Aminu, aged 23 years, ‘m’, of Lungun Sherifai Kofar Mata, Kano Municipal, and (2) Zulkifilu Bello, aged 30 years, ‘m’, of Pantami Tashan Bus Gombe State. During the course of the investigation, the suspects were found to have stolen the exhibits from Nyanya Mararaba in Nasarawa State and were rushing to enter Kano to deliver them to their receivers. The case will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED FRAUDSTER AT ATM GALLERY:
On 24/12/2023 at about 20:50, one Isah Magaji, ‘m’ of Kaduna State was arrested at Jaiz Bank ATM Gallery while trying to swap an ATM of a victim under the pretext of assistance. During the course of the investigation, thirty-three (33) pieces of ATM Cards of different Banks and Names were recovered from the suspect. The case is under investigation.
ARREST OF SUSPECTS WHO SPECIALIZED IN HOUSEBREAKING AND THEFT AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN PROPERTY:
Following a report on 06/12/2023 at about 12 pm, Police operatives while acting on credible information, arrested one Abdul Umar, aged 27 years, ‘m’, and Sunusi Musa, aged 22 years, ‘m’, both of Kojalawa Quarters Kano in connection with a case of housebreaking and theft. During the course of the investigation, the suspects confessed to having conspired with one Ibrahim Abdulkarim Alias Mada, 'm', of the same address, jointly broke into a house belonging to one Abubakar Hussaini, 'm', of the same address and stole away the following items; LG Plasma TV 32 Inches, Receiver Decoder and other valuables. The stolen properties were also recovered with the investigation in progress.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED FRAUDSTERS AND RECOVERY OF EXHIBIT:
Following a report of fraud reported by one Umar Ya’u, 'm', of Kwanar Dangora Town of Kiru LGA Kano that on 13/12/2023 one Safiyanu Umar, 'm’, conspired with one Abdullahi Muhammad Alias Malam Malam and defrauded him money, a sum of six million five hundred thousand naira (₦6,500,000:00) under the pretence that they will exchange for him with US dollars after which they absconded with his money. The suspects were arrested on 14/12/2023 at Tashar Yari Makarfi LGA in Kaduna State and one million four hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦1,450,000:00.) was recovered. The case is under investigation.
ARREST OF NOTORIOUS THUG (DAN DABA):
On 24/12/2023, at about 19:20, a team of the Anti-kidnapping unit, while on special duty at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata Kano, sighted a group of miscreants in possession of dangerous weapons. The miscreants were dispersed, and one Halifa Garba, AKA Tamis, aged 22 years, 'm', of Yelwa Quarters, Dala LGA Kano, was arrested. Upon a spot search, a life-threatening weapon was recovered in his possession. During the course of the investigation, the suspect confessed that they were out to terrorize innocent citizens. The case is under investigation.
ARREST OF MOTORCYCLE THIEF:
On 24/12/2023, at about 20:20, credible information received led to the arrest of one Abubakar Abdullahi, aged 22 years, ‘m‘, of Haye Quarters, Kano, along State Road, pushing a motorcycle with Reg. No. DAL 97 QR. When interrogated, the suspect confessed to having trespassed into a compound at Sultan Road in Nassarawa GRA and made away with the said motorcycle. In another development, intelligence-led operations conducted by the Anti-Car Theft section of the Command led to the arrest of three (3) suspects and recovery of nine (9) Motorcycles. The cases are under investigation.
