The Kano State Police Command has arrested a five-man gang allegedly impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting residents across Kano and neighbouring states.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, noting that the suspects were apprehended during a special operation conducted by the Special Intervention Squad on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Intervention Squad carried out a well-coordinated operation at about 1:00 p.m., leading to the arrest of five suspects who were parading themselves as police officers.”
The suspects were identified as Aliyu Abbas (35), Sani Iliyasu (47), Ashiru Sule (41), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Adamu Kalilu (45).
According to Haruna, several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, including a fake police warrant card, handcuffs, ₦aira notes of various denominations, 2,500 CFA, and a blue Peugeot 406 with registration number NSR-188-BD, which they used for their illegal activities.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to impersonating police officers and using the fake warrant card to extort innocent citizens,” Haruna revealed. “They also admitted to carrying out similar crimes in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states.”
He added that the suspects would be charged to court once the ongoing investigation is concluded.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State commended the operatives for their swift action and warned that the command would not tolerate any form of criminal impersonation or extortion within the state.
“We are committed to maintaining law and order in Kano. The command will continue to clamp down on all forms of criminal activity, including impersonation and fraud,” he said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station for immediate response.
“We appeal to members of the public to stay alert and cooperate with security agencies. Together, we can make Kano State safer for everyone,” the police spokesperson added.
