26 suspects in police net over sundry crimes in Katsina
By Joe Enna, Katsina
In the first two weeks of January 2025, the Katsina State Police Command intensified its fight against crime, leading to the arrest of 26 suspects involved in sundry crimes including kidnapping, murder fraud and gun running.
The series of operations, described as decisive and thorough, demonstrate the commitment of the police to ensure the safety and security of the residents, according to the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.
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On January 11, a 12-year-old boy, Salihu Sadi, went missing while running an errand in Dankama town, Kaita Local Government Area. Hours later, his family received a chilling ransom demand of ₦25 million from his abductors. Despite desperate efforts to negotiate, the kidnappers brutally killed the boy and abandoned his body on the outskirts of the town.
Acting swiftly, the police launched an investigation led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. By January 13, the team had apprehended two suspects, Muttaka Garba and Yusuf Usman, who confessed to the crime. Among the evidence recovered was the phone used to make the ransom demand. The suspects are now in custody, awaiting prosecution.
In another major breakthrough, the police dismantled a counterfeit currency syndicate operating across Katsina State. The case unfolded on December 31, 2024, when Aliyu Isah attempted to exchange fake $100 notes at a bureau de change. His arrest led to the uncovering of a network of criminals specializing in producing and circulating counterfeit money.
Further investigations revealed that the group had a stockpile of 1,018 counterfeit $100 bills. Five suspects, including Aliyu Sani, were arrested, and evidence suggests the counterfeit currency was intended for large-scale distribution.
On January 11, an unusual incident occurred at the Katsina Teaching Hospital. The state governor’s convoy, leaving after visiting an injured police officer, intercepted a man attempting to flee the scene of a theft.
The suspect, Abdullahi Ali, had vandalized several vehicles in the hospital parking lot and stolen ₦650,000 along with other items from a car belonging to a lawmaker.
The swift action of the governor’s security detail ensured his capture. The stolen items were recovered, and the suspect was handed over to the police for prosecution.
On December 30, 2024, the police arrested 23-year-old Isma’il Isah on the Zaria-Funtua highway. The vigilante member was found with 15 AK-47 magazines concealed in a bag. During questioning, Isah admitted he planned to sell the magazines to a blacksmith in Bakori LGA.
Investigations revealed he had obtained the magazines during joint security operations in Kaduna State. Authorities are now delving deeper into his connections and the intended buyers.
Sophisticated fraudsters operating a SIM-swapping syndicate were brought down on January 10. Using stolen SIM cards, the group accessed victims’ bank accounts, withdrawing funds without detection. Four suspects, including a bank employee, were arrested, and 32 SIM cards, phones, and incriminating documents were recovered.
The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, are assisting the police with further investigations into the scale of their operations.
In early January, the police launched coordinated raids on known criminal hideouts across Katsina and Funtua LGAs. These operations led to the arrest of 14 individuals involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.
Dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and stolen property were recovered during the raids. The suspects, many of whom are repeat offenders, are now in police custody.
The PPRO, DSP Aliyu who paraded the suspects, praised the efforts of the command in bringing these criminals to justice. He reaffirmed the Commissioner of Police’s dedication to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as the command intensifies efforts to maintain law and order.
