The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Alasan Beli, has regained his freedom after spending 68 days in the custody of kidnappers.

The victim was abducted on September 1, 2026, at his residence in Beli Village, Rogo Local Government Area, by suspected kidnappers.

Confirming the breakthrough, the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the APC chieftain was rescued unhurt by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, who successfully dismantled a notorious syndicate terrorising Kano and neighbouring states.

According to Kiyawa, the operatives rescued the victim following intelligence-led operations and sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

The police spokesperson assured the public that investigations into reported cases of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery would continue.

The police disclosed that operatives had arrested the principal suspect and another suspected member of the syndicate, who allegedly drove the kidnappers to the village where the victim was abducted.

“On 18th October, 2026, following an intelligence-led investigation, operatives arrested the principal suspect, one Shu’aibu Sulaiman, alias Lemu, male, 25 years old, at Kwanar Dangora, Kiru LGA. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and provided useful information that led to further operational successes.

“In the course of the operation, an additional suspect, Mansur Usman, male, of Nassarawa LGA, Kano State, was also arrested. Mansur is a driver in the kidnapping syndicate who transports victims from one hideout to another in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states.

“In total, two suspects have been arrested in connection with this case. The suspects confessed to the crime. They are currently in custody, while discreet investigations are ongoing. Exhibits recovered in the course of the operation include one AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition.” Kiyawa added.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has commended the State Police Command for the successful rescue of the APC chieftain.

Receiving the rescued victim and the Commissioner of Police at the Government House on Sunday night, the governor particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Officer-in-Charge of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, CSP Aliyu Muhammad Auwal; CSP Ado Muhammad Audi; and the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, to the successful operation.

Governor Yusuf also directed the State Commissioner for Health to ensure that the rescued victim receives comprehensive medical attention and psychosocial rehabilitation at the expense of the state government.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property and ensure the safety of residents across Kano State.

Recounting his ordeal, the rescued APC chairman disclosed that his abductors moved him through several locations, including Danja, Ikara and Giwa in Kaduna State, as well as parts of Zamfara State.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, disclosed details of the successful rescue operation while briefing Governor Yusuf at the Government House in Kano. He explained that the operation was coordinated through tactical security measures, which eventually led to the victim’s freedom.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Kano State Police Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state. (Guardian)