The Abdullahi Beli kidnapping case has taken a new turn following the rescue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State. Beli, who spent 68 days in the hands of kidnappers, has regained his freedom, while the Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects connected to the incident.
The police announced the breakthrough on November 9, following sustained investigations and security operations by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The development has brought relief to Beli’s family and associates, while authorities continue efforts to track down other members of the suspected criminal group.
Beli, popularly known as Abdullahi Fanka, was abducted from his residence in Beli community, Rogo Local Government Area, on September 1, 2026. Armed men reportedly stormed his residence and took him away before security agencies began efforts to locate him.
According to the police, operatives eventually rescued the APC chairman unhurt after 68 days in captivity. The command attributed the successful operation to intelligence gathering, sustained investigations and technology-driven security measures.
Police Arrest Two Suspects in Abdullahi Beli Kidnapping Case
Following investigations into the abduction, the Kano State Police Command confirmed that two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were in custody. Police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa disclosed details of the arrests in a statement.
The command identified the principal suspect as 25-year-old Shu’aibu Sulaiman, popularly known as Lemu. Police operatives arrested him on October 18, 2026, at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to the police statement, Sulaiman allegedly provided useful information during interrogation. The information reportedly helped investigators make further progress in the operation and identify other individuals connected to the criminal group.
The second suspect, identified as Mansur Usman, was also arrested during the investigation. He reportedly hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Police alleged that Usman served as a driver for the suspected kidnapping syndicate. His alleged responsibility involved transporting victims between different hideouts across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states. These locations, according to the command, formed part of the network’s movements across neighbouring states.
Furthermore, security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition during the operation. The police listed the weapons among the exhibits recovered while pursuing the suspects and investigating the wider activities of the group.
However, the arrests have not ended the investigation. The command said its operatives were intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspected members who remained at large. It also stated that the arrested individuals would face prosecution after investigators completed their work.
Abdullahi Beli Recounts His Experience in Captivity
After regaining his freedom, Beli provided details of the locations where his abductors allegedly held him during the 68-day ordeal. His account offered further information about the movements of the suspected kidnappers and the different areas through which they transported him.
The rescued APC chairman mentioned Danja, Ikara and Giwa in Kaduna State among the locations where his captors moved him. He also identified parts of Zamfara State as places where he spent time during his captivity.
His account highlights the cross-state movements associated with the case, while the police investigation continues to establish the activities and identities of other suspected members of the group.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has pledged support for Beli following his release. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the police command and security personnel who participated in the operation.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of officers involved in the rescue, including members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the police command’s public relations team.
In addition, Yusuf directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that Beli receives comprehensive medical attention. He also ordered the provision of psychosocial rehabilitation, with the state government covering the expenses.
Police Continue Search for Other Suspected Kidnappers
Although the rescue has ended Beli’s 68-day captivity, the police investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are still working to locate other suspected members of the syndicate and establish their involvement in the reported criminal activities.
The Kano State Police Command has also reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state. It urged continued cooperation with security agencies as investigations progress.
For now, the two arrests represent a significant development in the Abdullahi Beli kidnapping investigation. However, the authorities must still account for other suspects reportedly involved in the operation and complete the legal process against those already in custody.
