In a dramatic anti-banditry operation, local hunters operating in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦10 million in cash paid as ransom for a kidnapped victim.
The operation took place inside the dense Falgore Forest following the safe release of 45-year-old Kabiru Aliyu, a resident of Falgore Village who had been abducted on September 11, 2026.
According to an official statement issued on Saturday by the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, three armed gang members emerged from the forest around midnight to collect the ₦10 million ransom demanded from the victim’s family.
Hunters launch deadly ambush as bandits return to hideout
Immediately after receiving the cash and freeing Aliyu unharmed, the three suspects began making their way back toward their forest encampment, unaware that local hunters, popularly known as Yan Bula, were lying in wait.
The vigilantes launched a swift ambush on the returning criminals. Two members of the armed gang were killed on the spot during the gun battle.
The entire ₦10 million ransom payment was recovered completely intact from the deceased suspects.
A third member of the gang managed to escape into the dense vegetation with gunshot wounds.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that one of the slain suspects was identified as Dogo Isah, a commercial motorcycle operator hailing from Maigwanda Village in Kaduna State.
Authorities believe the criminal gang migrated from Kaduna State to launch attacks across Kano State boundaries.
Police chief praises community hunters
Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the local hunters for their bravery and vital support in aiding law enforcement under the state’s ongoing anti-crime initiative, Operation Kukan Kura.
CP Bakori directed tactical teams, divisional police officers, and local area commanders to intensify search operations across Falgore Forest and adjacent communities to capture the injured fleeing suspect and recover their weaponry.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued victim, Kabiru Aliyu, has undergone medical examination and debriefing, and has since been happily reunited with his family.
