The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, disclosed this on Monday in a statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

Umar-Fage said detectives arrested the suspect, Surajo Isyaku, 45, on May 15 after acting on credible intelligence gathered by operatives.

He said the suspect allegedly participated in the April 5 attack on Sayaya Village, during which several houses were burnt by armed assailants.

The commissioner added that a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed during the violent attack on the community.

According to Umar-Fage, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping operations, cattle rustling and collaboration with armed bandits terrorising communities in the area.

“The suspect is believed to have been involved in several kidnapping operations, cattle rustling activities and acts of collaboration with armed bandits,” he said.

Umar-Fage disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Isyaku was introduced in 2024 to a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello.

He explained that another suspect, Babaye, who remains at large, allegedly introduced Isyaku to the wanted bandit leader.

The police commissioner said Isyaku admitted participating in two kidnapping operations carried out in Sayaya Village alongside other gang members.

He said victims abducted during the operations reportedly paid a combined ransom of N7 million before regaining their freedom.

According to Umar-Fage, the suspect allegedly received N900,000 as his share from the ransom proceeds realised from the kidnappings.

“The suspect further confessed to inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions,” the commissioner stated.

He added that the attacks on Dukawa Village allegedly resulted in the rustling of 14 cows by the armed gang.

Umar-Fage said the suspect confessed to receiving N40,000 from proceeds generated through the sale of the stolen cattle.

The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing gang members, including Bello, Babaye and other accomplices linked to the criminal network.

He commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.

Umar-Fage urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing security operations.

He assured the public that investigations into the case were continuing and the suspect would be charged to court after investigations conclude.

Source: NAN

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The post Police arrest suspected kidnapper over Katsina village attack appeared first on Frontpageng.

Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Katsina.

He said the operations were conducted under Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, with support from other security agencies and vigilantes.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the first attack occurred on Monday at about 5 p.m. in Danya Bakwai, Jibia local government area.

He said about 10 armed bandits, riding motorcycles, invaded the Fulani settlement and rustled 20 cows and 40 sheep.

“Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised an Armoured Personnel Carrier patrol team to the scene,” he said.

He said the team worked with the military, Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes.

“The joint security team blocked the bandits’ escape routes and engaged them in a gun duel.

“The suspects abandoned the rustled animals and fled due to superior tactics and firepower,” he said.

Sadiq-Aliyu said all 20 cows and 40 sheep were recovered, while calm had returned to the community.

He said another operation followed on Tuesday morning in Musawa and Matazu local government areas.

According to him, operatives responded to a distress call from Gwarjo Village in Matazu.

He said the patrol team engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

The spokesman said the operatives later advanced to Dangani Village, a known criminal hideout in Musawa.

“Another exchange of gunfire ensued, during which several suspects escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.

He said the team recovered two AK-47 rifles, six empty magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition.

Other items recovered included a new TVS motorcycle, a GSM handset and two military jackets.

Sadiq-Aliyu said surveillance and patrols had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He said Commissioner of Police praised officers and supporting security teams for their courage and coordination.

Umar-Fage said, “We remain committed to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.”

He urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

Meanwhile, Sadiq-Aliyu said further updates on the operations would be communicated in due course.

Source: NAN

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The post Police foil bandit attacks, recover rifles, livestock in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.

The command’s  spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Katsina while briefing journalists.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the achievements followed intensified intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained patrols across identified criminal hotspots in the state.

“Within the period under review, the command intensified its fight against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking through proactive strategies that have yielded measurable progress in restoring public safety,” he said.

He explained that the 344 suspects arrested were linked to various crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, banditry, drug peddling, murder, rape, and other offences.

According to him, the figure includes two suspected kidnappers, 15 robbers, eight armed bandits, four informants, and 28 drug peddlers.

“Also arrested were 28 suspects for murder or culpable homicide, 25 for rape or sodomy, 57 social miscreants, and 194 for other criminal offences,” he added.

The police spokesman further revealed that 151 major cases were reported during the period, out of which 128 had been charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.

On rescue operations, Sadiq-Aliyu said 27 kidnap victims were successfully freed and reunited with their families after undergoing medical checks and debriefing, adding that one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during a tactical operation.

He also listed items recovered from the suspects to include 20 laptops, two GSM phones, a master key, 62 National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and a scanner.

Other recoveries, he said, comprised 243 suspected rustled animals, two stolen motor vehicles, two stolen motorcycles, 48 sachets of Exol tablets, 80 sachets of Tramadol tablets, and 32 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

“All recovered exhibits are in police custody and will be tendered in court as evidence,” he said.

Sadiq-Aliyu noted that the command carried out multiple night raids, cordon-and-search operations, and stop-and-search patrols along major highways, including the Katsina-Zaria road, leading to the interception of contraband and disruption of criminal networks.

He added that undercover operations and sustained community policing initiatives had also enhanced intelligence gathering and public cooperation.

He attributed the successes to strong collaboration with sister security agencies, noting that joint patrols and real-time intelligence sharing had significantly improved operational efficiency.

While acknowledging the progress made, he stressed that the command remained committed to sustaining the tempo of operations until crime was drastically reduced.

Source: NAN

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The post Police arrest 344 suspects, rescue 27 kidnap victims in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.

The CP recalled earlier operations recorded major successes against armed bandits operating within the local government area before the deadly attack.

He said this in a statement on Sunday by Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command.

Umar-Fage said operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages.

“Police recovered 205 animals, comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep, during the operation,” he said.

Umar-Fage added that on Saturday, officers repelled another attack on Matinjin Village.

“Several bandits fled with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles linked to their operations were recovered,” he stated.

He said the criminals later regrouped and attacked Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday.

“The attack occurred around noon, killing 11 persons before tactical teams were mobilised to repel the assailants,” he said.

Umar-Fage described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and expressed condolences to families of the victims.

He assured residents that all those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.

The commissioner said additional tactical teams had been deployed to affected communities to strengthen ongoing security operations.

“Bush combing operations and coordinated patrols are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects,” he said.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting life and property across the state.

“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” he added.

Source: NAN

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The post Police launch manhunt after bandit attack in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.

Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday, adding that two others were injured.

He said the attackers struck at about 2:40 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire on unsuspecting residents and killing victims on the spot.

“The assailants fled as security forces closed in on the scene,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

He confirmed a joint security team, including police, military and other agencies, responded swiftly to a distress call, forcing the attackers to retreat.

“The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment, while the deceased were buried according to Islamic rites,” he added.

Following the attack, the command reinforced security in the area, deploying additional tactical teams to prevent further incidents.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the command had also ordered intensified patrols and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

“Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of the heinous act”, he said, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

Source: NAN

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The post 11 die in Katsina village bandit attack appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen, on Monday in Katsina, said the success was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the command had recorded significant successes in its intensified operations against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking across the state.

He attributed the achievements to intelligence-led operations, strengthened inter-agency collaborations, and sustained patrols in identified flashpoints.

According to him, the breakdown of arrests shows that 14 suspected armed robbers, two gunrunners, one suspected car thief, five suspected bandit informants, and 14 suspects linked to homicide were apprehended.

He added that 20 suspected rapists and 22 persons involved in illegal drug peddling were also arrested within the period under review.

The PPRO further revealed the arrest of a notorious member of a gang involved in violent crimes, allegedly linked to the killing of one Abu Abbasi, adding that investigations were ongoing.

He said the command also dismantled criminal networks involving informants and gunrunners supplying logistics to bandits in Dutsinma and Safana local government areas.

Sadiq-Aliyu stated that the 12 rescued kidnap victims had received medical attention and were reunited with their families.

He listed items recovered during the operations to include two PKT rifles, two AK-47 rifles, three locally fabricated firearms, two ammunition belts, and 974 rounds of live ammunition.

Others, he said, were 30 stolen animals and five motorcycles used in criminal activities.

The police spokesman said the successes were achieved through targeted raids on criminal hideouts, increased surveillance on major highways, and proactive community policing initiatives.

He commended other security agencies and local communities for their support, noting that joint patrols and real-time intelligence sharing had enhanced operational efficiency.

Sadiq-Aliyu stressed that the fight against crime was ongoing and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the following numbers: 08156977777, 09022209690, and 07072722539.

Source: NAN

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The post Police arrest 188 suspects, rescue 12 kidnap victims in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.

The incident occurred on Sunday when bandits reportedly blocked the road and opened fire on a moving Volkswagen Golf vehicle, killing two occupants on the spot.

According to a statement in Katsina on Monday by the command spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, security operatives quickly responded to the attack.

He said a joint team comprising police personnel, military operatives, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes was mobilised to the scene following a distress report.

“The team swiftly dislodged the assailants and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital.”

According to Sadiq-Aliyu, the bandits later regrouped and attempted to launch another attack on the Musawa Police Division.

He said that officers on duty successfully repelled the assault after a fierce gun battle, preventing the attackers from overrunning the facility.

He explained that during the encounter, one police officer was killed while defending the station.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, said  that additional operational assets had been deployed to the affected area to strengthen security and forestall further attacks.

The commissioner also ordered a full-scale investigation aimed at tracking down and arresting the perpetrators.

Umar-Fage expressed condolences to the families of the slain civilians and the fallen officer, describing the latter as a hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information as efforts intensified to bring those responsible to justice.

Source: NAN

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The post Police officer, two others killed as security forces repel attacks appeared first on Frontpageng.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, who disclosed this in a statement in Katsina on Friday, said the efforts were in collaboration with the Army, members of the State Community Watch Corps, and Vigilantes.

He said: “In a swift and coordinated response, we successfully foiled simultaneous bandits’ attacks at Ka’ida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters in Jibia Township, Katsina State, on November 7.

“At about 9:15 pm on Thursday, suspected armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on the two communities.

“However, the swift response of the joint security team led by the DPO Jibia repelled the attackers, resulting in a fierce gun duel that lasted for over an hour.

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“The superior firepower and tactical advantage of the joint security team eventually forced the bandits to retreat with unspecified casualties as the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 16 victims trapped by the bandits.”

Sadiq-Aliyu regrettably said that another five persons rescued sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the bandits’ attack, and they were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The police spokesman added that: “Sadly, one member of the state’s security outfit, and a vigilante member lost their lives during the encounter, paying the ultimate price,” he said.

The spokesmen assured that further development would be communicated in due course.

“The command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, while working closely with all relevant stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

“The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, reassures the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

He urged the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency numbers: 0815 967 7777, and 0707 272 2539.

Source: NAN

The post Katsina Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue 21 victims appeared first on Frontpageng.

The command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this while parading about 15 suspected criminals in Katsina on Tuesday.

He said that on October 3, based on credible intelligence, the command successfully tracked and arrested the suspect, aged 45, residing at Sabon Gida Village, Igabi local government area, Kaduna State.

According to Sadiq-Aliyu, Adamu was arrested in connection with a suspected case of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping.

“The suspect was arrested after a painstaking investigation following credible intelligence linking him to several kidnapping incidents in Runka, Safana local government area of the state.

“Preliminary investigations revealed his alleged involvement in the criminal conspiracy and kidnapping of persons, all of Runka town.

“He confessed to the commission of the offence and further mentioned Rabe Sada, (alias BBC), aged 62, and Nasiru Sha’aibu, aged 48, all of Runka Village as his accomplices.

“The three were suspended for giving information to one Umar, a notorious suspected bandits’ kingpin hibernating in Runka forest. Investigation is still ongoing,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

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Similarly, the police spokesman said that on September 27, the command arrested a suspected rapist for the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 16-year-old girl in Ambassadors Quarters, Katsina.

According to him, the victim was sent on an errand by her mother when the suspect, Usman Mohammed-Iyal, aged 24 of the same quarters allegedly committed the offence.

He said that the suspect threatened and dragged her into an uncompleted building where he then violently assaulted and raped the victim.

Sadiq-Aliyu added, “In a desperate bid to conceal his crime, the suspect threw the victim into a nearby well and hurled stones down the well, with an intent to kill her.

“Upon the victim’s disappearance, her father reported the incident at the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters, leading to swift action.

“An investigation was immediately launched, successfully rescued the victim from the well and arrested the suspect.

”The victim is currently receiving medical attention. Investigation is currently ongoing,” he disclosed.

The PPRO further revealed the arrest of one Binta Muhammed, aged 35, of Lungun Loma Quarters, Dutsinma local government area of the state, in connection with a suspected case of cruelty to a child.

According to him, during the investigation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the offence and would soon be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.

Also, the spokesman said that on September 25, the command arrested a trio of suspects at the Kofar Durbi Quarters, Katsina, in connection with a suspected case of vandalism and theft.

“While on routine patrol, a team of police operatives, in collaboration with members of the vigilance group, intercepted the syndicate.

”They were found in possession of some quantity of electric armored cable, a sharp pointed iron bar, and a hacksaw, suspected to have been stolen.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and further mentioned four other suspects now at large, as their accomplices.

“Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds,” he said.

He revealed that on September 22, the command also arrested three other suspects in connection with a case of vandalism and theft.

Sadiq-Aliyu also disclosed the arrest of four suspected thieves, who broke into a house in Babban Mutum village, in Baure local government area, and stole about N2 million.

Source: NAN

The post Police nab ward head suspected to be bandits’ informant in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police Command, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said that on Saturday, a distress call was received at Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters regarding an attempted kidnapping on the Jibia–Kauran Namoda road, Katsina State.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, in collaboration with the military, immediately responded to the scene and engaged the suspects in a gun duel.

“Four kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“Unfortunately, one victim succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the attack,” Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed.

According to him, the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters also received a distress call about another kidnapping attempt at Unguwar Boka Village, Faskari Local Government Area, along Funua-Gusau road.

The public relations officer added that promptly, the operatives responded to the scene, in collaboration with the military and engaged the assailants in a gun duel.

“Regrettably, the assailants fatally shot one of the victims during the attack.

”However, two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt.

“Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators as the investigation continues,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

Source: NAN

The post Police, army foil kidnap attempts, rescue six victims in Katsina appeared first on Frontpageng.