Two suspected kidnappers have been killed by local hunters in Kano State, while a ₦10 million ransom paid for the release of an abducted man was recovered during an ambush in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.
The Kano State Police Command said the incident occurred around midnight on Saturday when three suspected kidnappers reportedly emerged from the forest to collect the ransom demanded for the release of 45-year-old Kabiru Aliyu, a resident of Falgore village.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement, adding that Aliyu was released unharmed after the suspects collected the money.
According to the police, Aliyu was abducted on September 11, 2026, and spent several days in captivity before his release.
Hunters Ambush Suspects, Recover Ransom
The police said local hunters, popularly known as Yan Bula, ambushed the suspects shortly after they collected the ransom and released the victim.
Two of the suspected kidnappers were killed during the encounter, while the third reportedly escaped with injuries.
The entire ₦10 million ransom was recovered intact, according to the police.
The command said preliminary investigations identified one of the deceased suspects as Dogo Isah, a commercial motorcycle rider from Maigwanda village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Police added that the suspects were believed to have travelled from Maigwanda village before the incident.
The identity of the second suspect was not disclosed, while the whereabouts of the fleeing suspect remained unknown as of the time of the report.
Police Intensify Search For Fleeing Suspect
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed the area commander, divisional police officers and tactical teams operating in the area to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The teams were also instructed to search Falgore Forest and surrounding communities for the injured suspect and any weapons allegedly used by the group.
Bakori commended the Yan Bula hunters for their intervention, noting that their activities complemented police efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
The commissioner said the operation formed part of the broader security response under Operation Kukan Kura, which targets criminal activities in affected areas.
The police command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Kidnap Victim Reunited With Family
The police confirmed that Aliyu had been debriefed, medically examined and reunited with his family after his release.
His release ended his immediate ordeal, although the incident highlights continuing security concerns around forested areas in Kano State.
The recovery of the ransom may also assist investigators as they pursue the fleeing suspect and investigate the activities of the alleged kidnapping group.
However, the police had not disclosed further details about the circumstances of Aliyu’s abduction, the negotiations that led to the ransom payment or whether additional suspects had been arrested.
Falgore Forest Remains Security Concern
Falgore Forest and surrounding rural communities have featured in security concerns involving suspected criminal groups. The difficult terrain can pose challenges for surveillance and security operations.
The latest incident also highlights the role local hunters and community-based security groups can play in supporting formal security agencies, particularly in areas where familiarity with local routes and terrain can assist operations.
The Kano State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to prevent further kidnappings and other violent crimes.
