The Kano State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered an AK-47 rifle with 18 rounds of ammunition following the rescue of the All Progressives Congress chairman in Rogo Local Government Area, Abdullahi Alasan Beli, after 68 days in captivity.
Beli, who was abducted from his residence in Beli Village on September 1, 2026, was rescued unhurt by operatives of the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
The police said the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into kidnapping and armed robbery cases in Kano and neighbouring states.
The command's spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the principal suspect, Shu'aibu Sulaiman, alias Lemu, 25, was arrested on October 18 at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area.
According to Kiyawa, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and provided information that helped the police make further arrests.
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"In the course of the operation, an additional suspect, Mansur Usman, male, of Nassarawa LGA, Kano State, was also arrested," the police spokesperson said.
Kiyawa alleged that Usman was a driver for the kidnapping syndicate, responsible for transporting victims between hideouts in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
"In total, two suspects have been arrested in connection with this case. The suspects confessed to the crime. They are currently in custody, while discreet investigations are ongoing," he said.
He added that the police recovered "one AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition" during the operation.
The command assured residents that investigations into criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery would continue.
The rescue was welcomed by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who commended the police for the operation and reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies in protecting lives and property.
The governor received the rescued APC chieftain and the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, at the Government House on Sunday night, where he praised the officers involved in the operation.
Yusuf specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, CSP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal; CSP Ado Muhammad Audi; and Kiyawa.
He also directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that Beli received comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial rehabilitation at the expense of the state government.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies in tackling criminal activities across Kano State.
Recounting his ordeal, Beli said his abductors moved him through several locations, including Danja, Ikara and Giwa in Kaduna State, as well as parts of Zamfara State, during his 68-day captivity.
Bakori, while briefing the governor, said the rescue was achieved through coordinated tactical security measures.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command's resolve to intensify operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
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