By Aminu Garko
Kano, Oct. 28, 2026 (NAN) The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as “Malam Keya”, a 27-year-old man from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He is suspected of playing a leading role in the violent gang clashes that have disturbed the peace of parts of Kano State.
Keya is alleged to be a gang leader who orchestrated and sponsored the violence, fuelling and funding the hoodlums behind attacks that claimed lives and left residents of Dala Local Government living in fear.
The suspect reportedly fled Kano after the Task Force intensified security operations in communities affected by gang violence, including Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kuka Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt, where he was apprehended in an operation led by the Task Force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been brought back to Kano.
Confirming the arrest, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said: “Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored.”
The arrest, made outside Kano State, shows the Task Force’s determination to pursue wanted suspects beyond the state’s boundaries. The suspect is in custody and will be further investigated and, upon completion, prosecuted.
The Task Force stressed that its operations will continue in accordance with the law, and that all suspects will be subjected to due process.
The Task Force assures the people of Kano State that it will not relent in dismantling criminal gangs, their sponsors and their drug supply networks.
It calls on all citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, parents and youths to join hands in this fight by reporting suspicious activities and persons promptly to the nearest security outpost, keeping a close watch on their children and neighbourhoods and refusing to be used by anyone to disturb the peace.
The safety of Kano is a shared responsibility, and together we will reclaim our streets and secure the future of our state.
The Task Force appreciates the support of the Kano State Police Command, the Rivers State Police Command and all other law enforcement agencies for their commitment to the success of the operation.
