Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers and cattle rustlers in intelligence-led operations carried out in Kiru and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas of the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the arrests, which took place on December 14, 2025, were carried out by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other tactical units, following credible intelligence reports.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, four of the suspects were arrested at Rahma Round in Kiru Local Government Area. One of them, Shafiu Ibrahim, 25, of Auchanawa Village, Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, reportedly confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang and to involvement in several cattle rustling activities. A TVS motorcycle was recovered from him during the operation.

The police said the remaining three suspects arrested alongside Shafiu are currently under investigation for various other criminal offences.

In a related operation, a joint team of operatives from the Dragon Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Tsanyawa Police Division arrested another suspect, Bishir Umar, 24, of Karaduwa Local Government Area in Katsina State. He was apprehended at Mahuta Village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

Police investigations revealed that Bishir Umar confessed that he and his accomplices had entered Kano State on two motorcycles with a rifle, allegedly to carry out criminal activities. He was arrested while conducting surveillance, while his accomplices reportedly escaped with the motorcycles and the firearm.

The Command disclosed that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended members of the public for their cooperation and support, noting that timely information has continued to aid police operations across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State was thrown into mourning as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside thousands of sympathisers, paid final respects to two serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo and Alhaji Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who were laid to rest in separate burial rites.

A statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the solemn ceremonies drew large crowds of mourners from across the state, reflecting the deep impact of the lawmakers’ service and leadership.

Alhaji Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo, who represented Ungogo Constituency, was buried on Wednesday in his hometown of Ungogo Local Government Area amid emotional scenes from family members, constituents, colleagues and residents. The late lawmaker died while serving his second term in the House of Assembly and was, until his death, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation.

Funeral Prayer of Hon. Aminu Sa’ad Ungoggo

Before joining the legislature, Ungogo was a seasoned administrator who served Kano State in various capacities, including as Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), Director of Personnel Management (DPM) and Sole Administrator.

Similarly, Alhaji Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who represented Kano Municipal Constituency, was laid to rest on Thursday at the Dandolo Cemetery, following funeral prayers at the Emir’s Palace Mosque in Kano. He was serving his first term in the Assembly and chaired the House Committee on Hajj Operations.

Before venturing into politics, Daneji retired from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as State Commandant in Katsina State.

Governor Yusuf attended the funeral rites alongside the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jibrin Ismail Falgore, and his deputy, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butubutu, as well as other top government officials.

The burial attracted tens of thousands of mourners, including principal officers of the Kano State House of Assembly, members of the NNPP National Assembly Caucus, serving and former lawmakers, political office holders, party leaders, traditional rulers and residents from across the state.

Governor Yusuf described the late lawmakers as dedicated and selfless representatives who served their constituencies and Kano State with commitment and integrity. He extended heartfelt condolences to their families, the leadership of the Kano State House of Assembly and the people of Kano State, particularly those of Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies.

The governor prayed that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the establishment of a Technical Committee to tackle the persistent issue of poor employment representation of Kano State indigenes in federal government agencies, as well as private and voluntary institutions operating within the state.

KANO FOCUS the committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, at his office in Kano. Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Kano indigenes in employment opportunities, despite Kano being the most populous state in the country.

He noted that Kano has not received its fair share of jobs, even in federal and private institutions located within the state, stressing that the high rate of unemployment among youths in Kano—believed to be higher than in any other state—demands urgent and decisive government intervention.

“This is the right time to reclaim what truly belongs to us,” Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim declared, adding that the present moment offers an opportunity for meaningful and sustainable action.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, explained that the committee was carefully constituted with experienced individuals drawn from various sectors of public service.

He announced Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Social Development, as Chairman of the committee, with Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser on Human Resource, serving as Co-Chairman.

Other members of the committee include Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service; Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties; Hon. Ali Yahuza Gano, Special Adviser on Metropolitan Affairs; Alhaji Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment; and Hon. Ado Muhammad Wudil, Executive Secretary, Guidance and Counselling Board. The committee’s activities will be coordinated by Salisu Musa Aliyu, Principal Assistant Secretary in the REPA Directorate of the SSG’s Office.

The committee is mandated to review employment practices in federal, private, and voluntary institutions operating in Kano State, determine the level of employment of Kano indigenes, engage relevant organisations on recruitment guidelines, and collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness and compliance with existing regulations. Its ultimate objective is to develop practical and lasting solutions that will improve employment opportunities for Kano State indigenes.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the team. He assured that members would work diligently to justify the trust and appealed to the people of Kano State for prayers and cooperation.

The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.