The Kano State Police Command has rescued the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rogo Local Government Area, Abdullahi Alasan Beli, popularly known as Abdullahi Fanka, after 68 days in the custody of kidnappers.
Beli was reportedly abducted from his residence in Beli community, Rogo Local Government Area, on September 1, 2026, by armed men who subsequently moved him through several locations in Kano and neighbouring states.
The rescue was announced by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, while briefing Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Government House on Sunday.
According to the police, the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into kidnapping and armed robbery cases across Kano and neighbouring states.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate had been arrested in connection with the abduction.
The principal suspect, identified as 25-year-old Shu’aibu Sulaiman, popularly known as Lemu, was reportedly arrested on October 18 at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
Kiyawa said the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime and provided information that assisted investigators in tracking down another member of the syndicate.
The second suspect, Mansur Usman, from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was also arrested. Police alleged that he worked as a driver for the criminal group, transporting kidnapped victims between hideouts in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states.
The command further disclosed that an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the involvement of other members of the alleged kidnapping network.
Recounting his experience after regaining freedom, Beli disclosed that his abductors moved him through several locations, including Danja, Ikara and Giwa in Kaduna State, as well as parts of Zamfara State.
Reacting to the development, Governor Yusuf commended the Kano State Police Command and the officers involved in securing the APC chairman’s release.
The governor particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, CSP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal, CSP Ado Muhammad Audi and the police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
Yusuf also directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that the rescued politician receives comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial rehabilitation at the expense of the state government.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across Kano State.
The police command, meanwhile, assured residents that efforts would continue to identify and apprehend other suspects linked to the criminal network.
