Police arrest notorious thug terrorising residents in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a notorious thug, Umar Usman, popularly known as ‘Ta’ambo’, over alleged involvement in thuggery, mobile phone robberies and attacks on security personnel in Rimin Kebe and its environs.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, November 5, 2026 said the suspect has been terrorising residents and disrupting public peace in the areas.

Kiyawa stated that the suspect had been on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in criminal activities.

According to the PPRO, the suspect's arrest followed weeks of discreet surveillance and community-driven intelligence.

"The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have arrested a wanted notorious thug who has been on the trail of the Command for coordinating thuggery-related activities and mobile phone robberies in Rimin Kebe and its environs,” the statement read.

"The operation was conducted under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis.

"On 5th November, 2026 at about 2040hrs, surveillance operatives attached to Zango Police Division, acting on credible intelligence and sustained monitoring, arrested Umar Usman, 'm', 25 years old, of Rimin Kebe Quarter, Kano, popularly known as 'Ta'ambo'.

"The suspect, a notorious 'Dandaba', has been terrorising residents of Rimin Kebe, Ramin Research Area and along Galula Hospital, where he allegedly coordinated thuggery activities and mobile phone robberies, causing fear and disrupting public peace in the areas.

"His attacks also include causing injuries to security personnel within his locality, in addition to coordinated attacks, intimidation of residents, and snatching of mobile phones and other valuables.

"The Command had placed the suspect on its wanted list following series of complaints and intelligence reports linking him to the above crimes. His arrest is the result of weeks of discreet surveillance and community-driven intelligence.

"Residents and community leaders in the affected areas have described the arrest as a major breakthrough, expressing optimism that it will bring an end to thuggery activities in Rimin Kebe and its environs.

"The suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing discreet investigation. 

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang, recover stolen items and arms used in the commission of the crimes, and establish his involvement in other reported cases. Upon completion of investigation, he will be charged to court.”

The Commissioner of Police commended the officers of Zango Division for their professionalism, vigilance and timely action, and appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and provision of credible information.

The Command reiterated its commitment to rid Kano State of thuggery, phone snatching, attacks on security personnel and all forms of violent crimes.

The statement urged members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command's emergency lines.