News
Kano Police foil explosive, drug trafficking attempts
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled suspected explosive and drug trafficking attempts in the state, following two separate intelligence-led operations carried out by its operatives.
KANO FOCUS reports that the operations, which took place in parts of Kano metropolis, were conducted in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on strengthening intelligence gathering and proactive crime prevention.
In the first operation, police officers attached to Rijiyar Lemo Police Division on January 13, 2026, executed a search warrant at a residence in Tudun Bojuwa Quarters, Fagge Local Government Area. During the search, two large sacks containing suspected incriminating materials were recovered.
A team of experts from the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit was deployed to examine the items. Preliminary findings revealed that one sack contained six rolls of detonating cords, while the other had 20 parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, as well as 220 sachets of suspected Exol tablets. Police said investigations into the discovery are ongoing.
In a second operation, officers of the Command’s Anti-Daba Unit, while on intelligence-led surveillance patrol at Sani Mainagge Quarters in Gwale Local Government Area, intercepted a commercial tricycle rider conveying three bags suspected to contain heavy materials.
Upon examination by the EOD-CBRN experts, the bags were found to contain about 3,700 pieces of electric detonators. The tricycle rider subsequently led police to the arrest of a suspect identified as Ibrahim Garba, also known as “Manyan Baki,” aged 49, from Zamfara State.
Police spokesperson in Kano Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa disclosed that the suspect confessed to facilitating the movement of the explosive materials from Nasarawa State to other destinations. Investigations into the case are continuing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in the successful operations and urged residents to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious movements, items or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
The Police Command also cautioned members of the public against touching any suspicious object, advising them to keep a safe distance and immediately alert security agencies.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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