Kano Police Arrest Three Over Murder of Woman and Six Children

The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspected masterminds in connection with the murder of a woman and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano, on January 17, 2026.

The arrests followed what police described as a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

A team of police operatives, acting under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, tracked and apprehended the suspects during a sting operation conducted between 10:00 p.m. on January 17 and 4:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026.

The police identified the suspects as:

• Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, Kano

• Isyaku Yakubu, also known as Chebe, 40, of Sagagi Quarters, Kano

• Yakubu Abdulaziz, also known as Wawo, 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, Kano

Police confirmed that the arrests were made based on actionable intelligence gathered through surveillance and investigation.

According to CSP Kiyawa, the alleged leader of the group, Umar Auwalu, who is said to be a nephew of the deceased woman, confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Police further stated that he admitted the same group had allegedly been involved in other violent attacks in Kano in recent times, including the killing of two women in Tudun Yola Quarters.

Authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that all confessions and claims will be tested through due legal process.

During the operation, police recovered several items believed to be linked to the crime, including:

• Four bloodstained garments

• Two mobile phones belonging to the deceased

• A cutlass

• A club

• Cash allegedly taken from victims

• Other weapons

All recovered items have been taken into evidence as part of the Kano family murder case.

Commending the officers involved, CSP Kiyawa praised the professionalism of the operatives and acknowledged the support of Kano residents.

“The Police Command commends the efforts of the officers involved in the operation, as well as members of the public for their prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation,” he said.

He added that the command remains fully committed to ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.