The Kano State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of Fatima Abubakar (35) and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters (also known as Dorayi Gidan Kwari) in Kano metropolis. The tragic incident occurred on January 17, 2026, when armed assailants reportedly attacked the family with dangerous weapons inside their home.

The children have been identified as Maimuna (17), Aisha (16), Bashir (13), Abubakar (10), Faruk (7), and Abdussalam (1.5 years old).

Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Arrests

Following a distress call and urgent instructions from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, coordinated an intelligence-led sting operation. Conducted between 10:00 p.m. on January 17 and 4:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, the operation successfully led to the arrest of three principal suspects.

The suspects have been identified as:

• Umar Auwalu (23) – the deceased’s nephew and alleged ringleader, from Sabuwar Gandu Quarters

• Isyaku Yakubu, aka “Chebe” (40) – from Sagagi Quarters

• Yakubu Abdulaziz, aka “Wawo” (21) – from Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters

According to Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Umar Auwalu confessed to orchestrating the family massacre and revealed the group’s involvement in prior violent attacks, including the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.

Evidence Recovered

During the arrests, the police recovered:

• Blood-stained clothing

• Two mobile phones belonging to the deceased

• A cutlass

• A club known locally as a gora

• An undisclosed sum of stolen money

• Other dangerous weapons

Investigations remain ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ criminal activities and identify any accomplices.

Nationwide Condemnation

The massacre has drawn widespread condemnation. Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, described the incident as “heartbreaking and utterly inhumane,” emphasizing the need for swift justice and stronger community protection measures.