The Kano State Police Command has announced significant security breakthroughs under its recently launched initiative, Operation Kukan Kura, which has drastically reduced thuggery and other criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano. The briefing highlighted the Command’s operational successes for the month of August and reaffirmed its commitment to community-driven policing.
According to CP Bakori, the operation was launched in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, to promote community-centered policing that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
He explained that Operation Kukan Kura is designed to foster strong collaboration between the Police and communities, with residents serving as the “eyes and ears” of security operatives within neighborhoods. This model, he said, has yielded remarkable results in curbing crimes, especially Fadan-Daba (thuggery-related violence).
“The steady decline in thuggery and related offenses is a clear testimony to the effectiveness of this strategy and the commitment of the people of Kano to supporting our efforts,” the CP stated.
Giving a breakdown of arrests made in August, the Commissioner revealed that no fewer than 107 suspects were apprehended for major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, vehicle and motorcycle theft, and thuggery.
Specifically, eight suspected armed robbers, eight alleged kidnappers, three human trafficking suspects, and fourteen suspected drug dealers were taken into custody. Others included two vehicle thieves, six motorcycle thieves, five suspected thieves, and sixty-one suspected thugs.
In addition, the police rescued one victim of human trafficking during the operations.
The Command also recorded multiple recoveries, including one AK-47 rifle, seven fabricated guns, and eleven live rounds of ammunition. Other items seized were seven stolen motor vehicles, eight motorcycles, seven cows, 102 cutlasses, and 74 knives.
Also recovered were large quantities of illicit drugs and intoxicants: 111 parcels and 458 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, 211 pieces of suspected rubber solution, 257 bottles of suck and die, as well as several quantities of diazepam and exol tablets.
CP Bakori added that police operatives intercepted 44 dealers of Kampala textile materials suspected to have been stolen, 59 mobile phones, three POS machines, 17 Opay instant debit cards, and other items such as MP3 players.
From July 1, 2025, when Operation Kukan Kura was launched, up to 473 dangerous weapons and a large cache of illicit drugs have been recovered, the CP further disclosed.
Commending his officers, the Commissioner said the Command remains committed to refining its strategies, leveraging community intelligence, and applying technology to outsmart criminals. “We will continue to adapt and innovate our approaches to maintain peace and stability in Kano State,” he assured.
He expressed gratitude to members of the press, residents, and stakeholders for their cooperation and vigilance, noting that timely information from citizens has greatly enhanced police effectiveness.
