Kano police command

By Uzair Adam 

Inspector Aminu Ibrahim of the Kano State Police Command has reportedly died after accidentally shooting himself in the stomach while on duty in the Hotoro area of Kano.

The incident happened around 5:40 am on Saturday when the officer, attached to Hotoro Division, entered a toilet within the premises of a private firm.

Sources said the inspector’s loaded AK-47 rifle, which was hanging around his neck, went off while he was squatting.

“The rifle, with registration number GT 4177, was found cocked and unsafe, with an empty shell recovered. 

“Twenty-nine rounds of ammunition were counted against the 30 earlier issued to him,” a source explained.

He was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead. His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

Spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, stated that the command has launched an investigation and will release its findings soon.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Police Command has announced a ban on the operation of tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, by underage individuals within the Kano metropolis.

Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a video he posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, said the decision followed a disturbing increase in accidents linked to underage riders. 

He added that the practice was responsible for 16 serious but preventable crashes, resulting in injuries and damage to property.

Kiyawa further noted that the Command has observed a growing trend of road users disregarding traffic lights and other regulations, a development he described as a major cause of avoidable accidents and traffic gridlock in the state.

He warned that riding tricycles by underage persons remains prohibited under the law and poses serious risks to both the riders and other road users. 

Parents and guardians, he stressed, must stop allowing their children to operate tricycles, as offenders—both the riders and the owners—will face severe penalties.

“All road users must obey traffic lights and other traffic regulations. The Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating traffic laws to ensure the safety and security of road users,” the statement added. 

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. 

He said enforcement teams have been deployed and urged members of the public to report underage tricycle riding, reckless driving, or other traffic offences to the nearest police station or via 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Police Force has invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for an investigative meeting regarding a Sallah Day incident linked to a traditional procession.

The Daily Reality reports that on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Kano State Police Command arrested 20-year-old Usman Sagiru of Sharifai Quarters in connection with the alleged attack and killing of vigilante members during the Emir’s entourage after Eid prayers.

Following the development, the police also invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation.

A letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner of Police (Operations), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, indicated that the invitation was issued on the directive of the Inspector General of Police. 

The Emir is expected to appear at the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10:00 a.m.

Prior to the Sallah festivities, security agencies had imposed a restriction on durbar activities, citing security concerns. 

However, Emir Sanusi reportedly proceeded with the traditional processions, including the Hawan Nasarawa and a visit to the Government House, drawing large crowds and widespread media attention.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid political bias, particularly in its operations within the state.  

This follows the controversy surrounding a terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration organised by the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.  

In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event. 

He also congratulated Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their contributions to the event’s success.  

However, he expressed disappointment over the police alert, which he claimed caused unnecessary panic among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.  

“The conduct of the police, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano’s affairs, further erodes their credibility,” Kwankwaso stated.  

He warned that issuing unverified threat alerts could lead to public complacency during genuine security threats.  

“Issuing a false threat alert of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent. It risks making people dismissive of genuine threats in the future,” he noted.  

Kwankwaso also criticised the global impression created by the police’s actions, given the international participation in the event. 

He called on the Kano State Police Command to prioritise professionalism and avoid partisanship, emphasising the need for the Federal Government to steer clear of interfering in Kano’s governance.  

“The Federal Government must resist involving itself in matters that complicate governance in Kano State,” he added.  

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a prominent annual event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from across the globe.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has alerted members of the public on suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Friday.

“The Kano State Police Command, in liaison with other security agencies, has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.

“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers”.

He further stated that, as part of an effort to ensure a peaceful Kano State, necessary security arrangements have been put in place.

“A team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.

“The unit can be reached through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s),” Kiyawa said.

He called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the state command through the designated mobile phone numbers.

He said the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety,” the statement revealed.

By Faizah Suleiman

In Kano State, phone theft has become more than a petty crime. It’s a nightmare for residents who can barely go about their day without clutching their phones nervously. From bustling markets to quiet streets, no place seems safe anymore. The once vibrant and lively atmosphere of Kano is now shadowed by fear as criminals prey on unsuspecting victims.

But why has phone theft spiralled out of control, and what can we do about it? For many residents, phone theft stories are no longer distant tales but personal experiences. Abdullahi Musa, a trader at Kurmi Market, recalls how his phone was snatched in broad daylight.

“I was talking to a customer when two men on a motorcycle came out of nowhere. Before I could react, my phone was gone, and they disappeared into the crowd,” he said.

Sadly, Abdullahi’s story isn’t unique. It’s part of an alarming trend that affects students, workers, and businesspeople alike. These criminals are smart, fast, and ruthless, and they’ve turned Kano into a hunting ground. You might wonder why this is happening so often in Kano. Well, the reasons aren’t far-fetched.

First, economic hardship has pushed many young people into crime. With unemployment rates soaring, some see phone theft as a way to survive. A recent survey showed that 78% of Kano residents feel unsafe using their phones in public. This fear isn’t paranoia. It’s a reality.

Then, there’s the issue of the thriving black market. Places like Sabon Gari are notorious for dealing in stolen phones. These criminals know they can easily sell a stolen phone, often within hours.

Losing a phone isn’t just about losing a device; it’s about losing a lifeline. For many in Kano, their phones hold contacts, bank details, business deals, and even educational materials. A lost phone means a significant setback.

“I saved for months to buy that phone,” lamented Fatima Ahmed, a university student. “When it was stolen, I didn’t just lose my device; I lost my school notes, assignments, and peace of mind.”

It’s a vicious cycle. The more phones are stolen, the more fear spreads, and the more cautious people become, yet the thieves always seem one step ahead.

To their credit, the authorities haven’t been sitting idle. The Kano State Police Command has ramped up hotspot operations, recovering hundreds of stolen phones in 2024 alone. There’s also been a push for awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to secure their phones and activate tracking features like IMEI.

But there’s a problem. Many victims feel the response isn’t fast enough, and even when thieves are caught, they often face light punishments. This lack of consequences only emboldens the criminals.

So, how do we stop this? It will take the collaboration of everyone: government, police, communities, and individuals.

• We need more community policing. Vigilante groups working with the police can monitor neighbourhoods and markets.

• Harsher penalties must be imposed on those caught stealing phones. If the punishment is severe enough, it could deter others.

• The government should clamp down on illegal sales of secondhand phones. If stolen phones can’t be sold, the incentive to steal them disappears.

• As residents, we also have a role to play. We can make a difference by avoiding phone use in crowded areas, enabling phone tracking, and reporting suspicious activity.

Phone theft in Kano is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a threat to our security and peace of mind. It’s time we took a stand. The next time you see someone holding their phone tightly, remember: it’s not just a gadget they’re protecting; it’s a part of their life. Let’s work together to make Kano safe again.

Faizah Sulaiman wrote from Kano via suleimanfaizah01@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman-Dogo Garba, stated that no deaths occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State, despite reports suggesting otherwise. 

At a press conference where suspects were paraded on Monday, Garba said, “Going by the records, so far, we are not aware of any casualties recorded.”

This claim contrasts with several media reports that assert at least five individuals were killed when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the protests.

Garba disclosed that the police arrested 873 suspects and successfully prosecuted 600 individuals for various offences, including “criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.” 

Additionally, 150 people were arrested for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government, and six suspects are under investigation for the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press.

The Commissioner of Police also revealed that 76 suspects, including a foreigner, were arrested for flying Russian flags and are being investigated for sedition at Force Headquarters in Abuja. 

Other arrests include 41 suspects linked to major crimes like “armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft,” and the police successfully recovered “two AK-47 Exhibit Rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Baku Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP), Super Markets.”

The command also rescued 13 trafficking victims and recovered various items, including “two AK-47 Rifles and one Beretta Pistol, 47 live ammunition, eight motor vehicles, and four sacks containing Exol Tablets.” 

Additional items recovered include “two Bajaj Boxer Motorcycles, 22 cows, 15 sheep, and four donkeys.”

He added that despite the challenges posed by the protests, Garba reiterated that the Kano State Police Command remains “committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.”

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 149 suspected criminals in a major operation to fight thuggery and other crimes in the state. 

In a press conference at Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano on Thursday, the spokesperson of the police in the state, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the arrest is part of the command’s achievements over the past ten days under the leadership of the Kano State Commissioner of Police Salman Garba.

Garba, who assumed office on June 24, 2024, has led targeted operations resulting in the arrest of 149 suspects, including 106 thugs. The operation has also led to the recovery of numerous arms, dangerous weapons, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

He added, “The re-emergence of these criminal activities is a matter of great concern for the Kano State Police Command, which we are fully committed to combating head-on.”

The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to address thuggery and other violent crimes in the state, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“We have employed strong security measures to address the root causes of this violence and promote peace and harmony in the affected areas and the state at large,” the PPRO added.

The operations from June 24 to July 4 resulted in the following arrests: 106 suspected thugs, 25 armed robbery suspects, two suspected kidnappers, three suspected drug dealers, three suspected motor vehicle thieves, two suspected motorcycle thieves, and eight suspected thieves.

The police also recovered a range of items, including a pump-action rifle, motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, knives, cutlasses, and significant quantities of illicit drugs.

Among the outstanding part of the arrests, Kiyawa highlighted the capture of two armed robbery suspects on June 26.

“These suspects attacked victims in their houses with dangerous weapons, inflicted injuries, and robbed them of valuable items,” he said.

In another operation, a notorious car theft cartel was dismantled, leading to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina II and the arrest of three suspects.

“The suspects confessed to a series of car snatchings in Kano State and localities,” SP Kiyawa revealed.

The police also intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs and weapons during joint patrols with local vigilantes. On July 1, 87 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from a suspect in Yankaba Quarters.

According to the police, Garba’s administration has intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel, and increased collaboration with community leaders and other security agencies.

In his address, the police commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police.

He added, “We must appreciate the law-abiding people of the state for their continuous support, prayers, understanding, and cooperation.

He also encouraged community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.

By Aisar Fagge

The AMG Foundation has commiserated with the Kano State Police Command and Commissioner of Police, Mamman Dauda over the fire incident that gutted many offices at the command on Saturday.

In a statement the AMG Foundation Chair, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, expressed sadness over the occurrence of the incident, calling on the police to take it as an act of Allah.

“We were shocked when we received the sad news of the fire disaster, therefore we are commiserating with you on behalf of the staff and management of the AMG Foundation over this unfortunate incident.

“While praying that such an incident will never occur, we assure you of our support and also urges for preventive measures to be put in place to prevent occurrence of similar incidents in the future,” Dr Magashi said.

It would be recalled that on Saturday, fire engulfed the first floor of Kano State Police Command’s Headquarters Administrative Block in Bompai area of Kano metropolis.

Although, no life was lost and no injury was recorded, the inferno raized Provost Office, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Finance and Administration Office, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Administration Office, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Operations Office, Finance Offices and Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO’s) Office among others.

According to the police, the fire was brought under control by firefighters and all the Command’s records are intact.

Earlier, CP Mamman Dauda, told the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone One, who visited the scene, that he was in his office when the fire outbreaks started.

He said the command is investigating the cause of the fire incident, adding that no life was lost during the incident.

By Muhammad Aminu

A 17-year-old girl, simply identified as Safiya from Garin Dau village in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State, has been found lifelessly hanged.

Residents of the village who spoke to BBC Hausa Service said they were shocked by the incident because the late teenage girl was a calm and responsible girl.

According to some villagers, the girl might have killed herself because of the forced marriage her parents planned to do for her.

However, the parents and other sources in the family countered the allegation, adding that she was not through with her secondary education yet not to talk of marrying her off.

Kano State Police Command confirmed that the young lady had been found dead, but an investigation has commenced to ascertain why she hanged herself.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, added that it is the investigation that they can confirm whether she committed suicide by hanging herself or not.

Late Safiya was a class 2 junior secondary school student before her sudden death.