NSCDC arrests 20 foreign nationals in Kano

The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 foreign nationals in the Danbare area of Kumbotso Local Government Area.

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The State Commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

He said the suspects, from Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic, were apprehended following credible intelligence and a coordinated operation.

The suspects include one from Cameroon, one from Niger, 12 from Sudan, and six from Chad,” he said.

Hassan-Agalama said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects could not provide valid travel or identification documents, raising concerns about their mode of entry and activities.

He added that exhibits recovered included 10 Android phones.

“The corps is profiling and investigating the suspects to ascertain their mission and possible links to unlawful activities. Relevant agencies have been notified, and necessary steps are being taken in line with extant laws,” he said.

One of the suspects, Idrisa Ila from Niger Republic, said he had lived in Kano for three years, engaging in trading activities. 

He explained that he met some of the suspects via Facebook, adding that they planned to travel to Sudan through Chad, using Nigeria as a transit point.

According to him, he initially declined to accommodate them due to rent constraints, but they later sent money for him to secure a house.

“I was expecting five persons, but more later arrived and occupied the residence,” he said.

He added that residents became suspicious due to the number of occupants and their inability to speak Hausa or English, prompting them to alert authorities.