Local hunters in Kano State have killed two suspected bandits and recovered ₦10 million paid as ransom for a kidnapped man in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area. The incident occurred after the suspects allegedly collected the money and released the victim, identified as 45-year-old Kabiru Aliyu, unharmed. According to the Kano State Police Command, the hunters ambushed the suspects as they returned towards their hideout.
The police said Aliyu, a resident of Falgore Village, was kidnapped on 11 September 2026 and held in captivity before his release. Three suspected bandits reportedly emerged from Falgore Forest around midnight on Saturday to collect the ransom. After receiving the ₦10 million and releasing the victim, they were intercepted by local hunters known as Yan Bula.
During the ambush, two of the suspected bandits were killed, while the third reportedly escaped with injuries. Police spokesperson CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the entire ransom amount was recovered intact. 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.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the hunters for supporting security operations against kidnapping and banditry. He said their efforts complemented police activities under Operation Kukan Kura, which targets violent crimes across the state. Bakori also directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to search the forest and surrounding communities for the fleeing suspect and recover any weapons linked to the incident.
The police said the rescued victim was debriefed, medically examined and reunited with his family. The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies. The search for the escaped suspect is expected to continue as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other individuals connected to the suspected kidnapping gang.
