Katsina police arrest 225 suspects linked to kidnapping, banditry and other crimes, while rescuing 17 victims and recovering stolen property

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 225 suspects linked to kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, arms trafficking and other crimes during a sweeping security operation carried out across the state in May 2026.

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The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed the figures on Thursday while presenting the operational scorecard of the command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Fage.

Sadiq said the achievements were recorded through intensified intelligence-led operations, joint patrols and collaboration with other security agencies aimed at tackling criminal activities across Katsina State.

“Our approach remains proactive, and the results reflect measurable progress in restoring public safety across the state,” Sadiq said.

According to the police spokesman, those arrested included seven suspected kidnappers, 10 armed robbery suspects, one suspected armed bandit, two suspected informants and 21 suspected drug peddlers.

The command also arrested 10 suspects in connection with murder and culpable homicide cases, 36 suspects for rape and sodomy, 13 suspected social miscreants and 130 individuals linked to other offences.

Sadiq said a total of 150 major cases were reported and investigated during the period, with 109 cases already charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.

A significant highlight of the operations was the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims.

“The victims have since been debriefed, medically examined and reunited with their families,” Sadiq said.

The command also recorded substantial recoveries during the month-long crackdown. Recovered exhibits included 20 laptops, two mobile phones, a master key and a scanner.

Other items recovered were 466 suspected rustled animals, three vehicles, 22 motorcycles and four bags containing vandalised span wires.

Police also seized various suspected illicit substances, including 141 Exol tablets, 190 sachets of Diazepam, 170 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 49 D5 tablets, 133 Pregabalin tablets and five packs of dexamethasone.

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

The police spokesman attributed the operational successes to sustained cooperation among security agencies through intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and joint operations across identified flashpoints.

While acknowledging the progress achieved, Sadiq stressed that the command would continue its determined campaign against criminal elements operating in the state.

Sadiq also expressed appreciation to the Katsina State Government led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for their support.

“We are not resting on these achievements. We sincerely appreciate the Katsina State Government under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda for its unwavering support and the Inspector-General of Police for his continuous logistical and moral backing,” he said.

Also read: Katsina police bust notorious armed robbery syndicate

Katsina State remains one of the North-West states most affected by banditry and kidnapping. In recent years, security agencies have intensified intelligence-driven operations and joint patrols in a sustained effort to restore peace, protect communities and improve public safety across the region.