Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled an attempted bandits’ attack and recovered 97 cattle and 50 sheep during an operation along the Kano-Katsina border.

KANO FOCUS reports that the operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly positioned themselves at strategic crossing points used by the criminals.

The statement said the troops intercepted the fleeing bandits, leading to a gun battle during which the criminals were overwhelmed and forced to abandon the stolen livestock before escaping towards Katsina State.

It added that the troops arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep. The recovered cattle have since been returned to their rightful owners.

The Army, however, confirmed the death of a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, of Yanchibi Village, who was caught in the crossfire during the operation.

“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Yanchibi community over this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

It noted that troops have continued to comb the area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits with the aim of apprehending the remaining suspects.

Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and fighting spirit, urging them to sustain the offensive until all bandits and other criminal elements operating within the area are neutralised.

He also appreciated members of the public for their continued support and encouraged them to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to the success of ongoing operations against banditry and other forms of criminality.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has restrained the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from stopping, harassing or interrogating motorists on Kano State roads outside its statutory jurisdiction, in a judgment described by the plaintiff as a major victory for the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.

KANO FOCUS reports that the judgment, delivered by Justice M. S. Shuaibu, followed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Kano-based lawyer, Abba Hikima, against the FRSC over its operations on non-federal roads within Kano metropolis.

Announcing the outcome of the case on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Barr Hikima said the court granted all his principal reliefs.

According to him, the court declared that the FRSC and its officers lacked the legal authority to operate on state and local government roads and that their actions in stopping, questioning and delaying him on July 1 and 2, 2025, without any primary traffic offence or lawful cause, violated his constitutional right to personal liberty.

The court also held that the agency’s practice of mounting checkpoints on township roads in Kano to stop, interrogate, harass, delay or impound vehicles belonging to members of the public amounted to a violation of the constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.

Justice Shuaibu consequently issued a perpetual injunction restraining the FRSC, its officers, agents and representatives from further stopping, harassing, interrogating or delaying the applicant or any other motorist on Kano State roads without lawful authority.

In addition, the court ordered the FRSC to publish a public apology to the applicant in at least one national daily newspaper in accordance with Section 35(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), over what it described as the unlawful detention and harassment suffered by him.

The court also awarded ₦800,000 in general damages and costs against the FRSC.

Reacting to the judgment, Barr Hikima described the ruling as “a landmark victory for the rule of law,” expressing gratitude to God for the outcome.

KANO FOCUS reports that the decision is expected to generate wider legal and public debate over the scope of the FRSC’s operational powers, particularly on roads under the jurisdiction of state and local governments.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has secured the conviction of a 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, who was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale on social media.

KANO FOCUS reports that the conviction, delivered by Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano on Monday, has been described by the agency as a landmark judgment and a strong warning to individuals using digital platforms to promote illicit drugs.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Media and Advocacy Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the NDLEA said Idris was arrested on 22 April 2026 after a video showing him openly advertising cannabis sativa for sale circulated on social media.

The statement said operatives of the Kano Strategic Command acted on the directive of the State Commander, CN D.Y. Lawal, to apprehend the suspect.

Justice Shuaibu sentenced Idris to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. The sentence is to take effect from 14 July 2026, the date of judgment.

Reacting to the verdict, the State Commander, CN D.Y. Lawal, said the judgment reinforces the agency’s determination to crack down on individuals who openly promote and traffic illicit drugs.

“This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Mr Lawal said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, for his continued support, which he said has strengthened the command’s operations and successes in Kano.

The agency urged families, community leaders, social media platforms and members of the public to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking by providing credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in tackling the menace.

The NDLEA said the conviction demonstrates its commitment to enforcing drug laws and deterring the use of social media as a platform for promoting illegal substances.