RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
Local hunters operating in Kano State have reportedly killed two suspected bandits and recovered ₦10 million in ransom money following an ambush on a group of suspected kidnappers in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the safe release of a 45-year-old kidnapping victim, Kabiru Aliyu, who had been held captive after his abduction from Falgore Village.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the command, three suspected bandits had emerged from Falgore Forest to collect the ransom demanded for Aliyu’s release when local hunters, popularly known as Yan Bula, intercepted them.
Two of the suspects were killed during the confrontation, while a third reportedly escaped with injuries.
Police said the entire ₦10 million ransom was recovered intact.
HOW HUNTERS AMBUSHED SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS
Providing details of the incident, the police explained that Aliyu was kidnapped on September 11, 2026, and subsequently held captive by the suspected bandits.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦10 million for his release.
According to the command, three armed suspects emerged from their hideout in Falgore Forest around midnight on Saturday to receive the ransom.
After collecting the money, the suspects released Aliyu unharmed and began returning towards the forest.
However, local hunters who had reportedly positioned themselves along the suspects’ escape route launched an ambush.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two suspected kidnappers, while the third escaped.
“During the ambush, two of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while the third suspect escaped with injuries. The entire ransom sum of ₦10 million was recovered intact from the neutralised suspects,” the police statement said.
The command did not provide details of the weapons used during the confrontation or indicate whether any of the hunters sustained injuries.
POLICE IDENTIFY ONE OF THE DECEASED SUSPECTS
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations had identified one of the deceased suspects as Dogo Isah.
According to the command, Isah was a commercial motorcycle rider from Maigwanda Village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Investigators also suspected that the other individuals involved in the kidnapping operation originated from the same community.
The police did not immediately disclose the identity of the second deceased suspect or that of the fleeing accomplice.
The command said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and identify other individuals who might have been connected to the operation.
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE COMMENDS YAN BULA HUNTERS
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the local hunters for their assistance in combating kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
Bakori acknowledged the role of community-based security groups in supporting the activities of law enforcement agencies, particularly in rural communities and forest areas.
He said the hunters’ intervention complemented ongoing police operations under Operation Kukan Kura, an initiative targeting criminal activities across Kano State.
The commissioner maintained that cooperation between residents, local security volunteers and law enforcement agencies remained important in tackling criminal networks.
He also reaffirmed the command’s determination to strengthen security operations in communities vulnerable to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR INJURED SUSPECT
Following the incident, Bakori ordered an immediate search operation to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The directive was issued to the relevant area commander, divisional police officers and tactical teams operating within the affected areas.
Police personnel were instructed to intensify searches in Falgore Forest and neighbouring communities.
The commissioner also directed officers to investigate possible escape routes and recover any weapons allegedly used by the suspects.
According to the command, the operation is intended to prevent the fleeing individual from escaping arrest or reconnecting with other criminal elements.
The police urged residents of surrounding communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist investigators.
KIDNAPPING VICTIM REUNITED WITH FAMILY
The command confirmed that Aliyu was released unharmed following the ransom payment.
After his release, he was debriefed by police officers and underwent a medical examination.
The police subsequently reunited him with his family.
The command did not disclose whether Aliyu had sustained any injuries during his captivity or provide further details about the conditions under which he was held.
It also did not specify who provided the ransom money or the arrangements made for its return following recovery.
FALGORE FOREST REMAINS FOCUS OF SECURITY OPERATIONS
The incident has again drawn attention to security concerns surrounding Falgore Forest and neighbouring rural communities.
Large forest areas can present challenges for security agencies because of difficult terrain, limited access routes and the possibility of criminal groups using remote locations as temporary hideouts.
The reported kidnapping and subsequent ransom collection illustrate the difficulties faced by communities exposed to criminal activities around such areas.
The Kano State Police Command said its ongoing operations were aimed at strengthening surveillance, preventing kidnappings and disrupting criminal networks.
The command also emphasised the importance of timely intelligence from residents in supporting security operations.
POLICE URGE RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT SECURITY AGENCIES
The Kano State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
It called on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and providing information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The command maintained that community cooperation was essential to preventing criminal attacks and improving public safety.
While the recovery of the ₦10 million ransom and the safe release of the victim represent significant developments in the reported incident, police investigations remain ongoing.
Authorities are now focusing on apprehending the fleeing suspect, identifying possible accomplices and determining whether the group was involved in other criminal activities.
The police have not announced any arrest in connection with the escapee, as of the information available in the statement.
