Gbenga Adamolekun
Katsina: Security forces in Katsina State have arrested a suspected kidnapper and bandit informant believed to be connected to the deadly assault on Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area. The arrest marks a breakthrough in the clampdown on criminal networks terrorising rural communities.
This announcement came on Monday from Commissioner of Police Ali Umar-Fage, who issued a statement through the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
Detectives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested the 45-year-old suspect, Surajo Isyaku, on May 15, Umar-Fage reported.
According to him, the suspect allegedly took part in the April 5 attack on Sayaya village, when armed assailants set several houses ablaze.
The commissioner added that a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed during the violent attack on tAccording to Umar-Fage, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping operations, cattle rustling, and collaboration with armed bandits terrorising communities in the area.munities in the area.
“The suspect is believed to have been involved in several kidnapping operations, cattle rustling activities and acts of collaboration with armed bandiProviding more background, Umar-Fage disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Isyaku was introduced in 2024 to a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello. identified as Bello.
Another suspect, Babaye, who remains at large, is alleged to have introduced Isyaku to the wanted bandit leader, Umar-Fage explained.
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. In addition, Umar-Fage stated the suspect allegedly received N900,000 as his share from the ransom proceeds realised from the kidnappings. The commissioner further stated, “The suspect further confessed to inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa village on two occasions.”
He further detailed that the attacks on Dukawa village allegedly led to the rustling of 14 cows by the Umar-Fage. He continued that the suspect confessed to receiving N40,000 from proceeds generated through the sale of the stolen cattle. Looking forward, the commissioner said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing gang members, including Bello, Babaye and other accomplices linked to the criminal network. 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 by providing timely, credible information to strengthen ongoing security operations.
He assured the public that investigations into the case were continuing and the suspect would be charged in court after the investigations concluded.
