A ransom collection operation turned deadly for suspected kidnappers in Kano State as local hunters tracked down their gang, killed two members and recovered the entire ₦10 million demanded for a hostage’s release.
The encounter occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area, shortly after three suspected bandits collected the ransom for the release of a 45-year-old man, Kabiru Aliyu.
Aliyu, a resident of Falgore Village, was abducted on September 11, 2026.
According to the Kano State Police Command, the suspects were intercepted by local hunters, popularly known as Yan Bula, while returning to their hideout after collecting the money.
Two of the suspects died during the confrontation, while the third escaped with injuries. The hunters recovered the ₦10 million ransom intact.
Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said preliminary investigations identified one of the deceased suspects as Dogo Isah, a commercial motorcycle operator from Maigwanda Village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation was conducted under Operation Kukan Kura, a security initiative targeting kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in Kano.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised the hunters for their intervention and directed security operatives to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover any weapons used by the gang.
The rescued victim was subsequently debriefed, medically examined and reunited with his family.
The incident draws attention to the role of local hunters in intelligence gathering and rural security, particularly in areas where difficult terrain makes conventional security operations challenging.
However, the escape of one suspect leaves questions about the whereabouts of other gang members and whether they are linked to additional kidnapping operations in the region.
The police urged residents to provide credible information to support ongoing efforts to track down criminal elements.