The Katsina State Police Command on Thursday paraded 16 suspects in connection with various criminal offenses, ranging from armed robbery to theft and vandalism.
At a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters, Public Relations Officer ASP Abubakar Sadiq outlined the successful operations that led to the arrest of the suspects. He credited the Command’s intelligence efforts for dismantling criminal syndicates and recovering stolen goods.
One of the most notable arrests occurred on September 8, 2024, when officers from the Funtua Area Command apprehended a seven-man armed robbery syndicate. The group was responsible for a highway robbery along the Kano-Zaria road, where they attacked a motorist transporting goods worth ₦4 million, including wrappers and other materials. The suspects had used stones to barricade the road, forcing the driver to stop. After assaulting the driver, they loaded the stolen items into two vehicles, which were later recovered: a Volkswagen Golf III and a Ford Focus, both containing the stolen goods.
“The syndicate members were apprehended following intelligence gathered by our personnel,” said ASP Sadiq. “The suspects barricaded a section of the highway and committed the robbery, but quick action from our officers resulted in their arrest and the recovery of the stolen goods.”
In another operation, three suspects were arrested in connection with illegal possession of a locally fabricated gun. The trio, identified as Janaidu Yusuf, Abubakar Dahiru, and Murtala Halliru, all from Machinjin village in Kankia Local Government Area, were arrested after a social media post led to an investigation. Yusuf had posted a picture of himself brandishing the prohibited weapon, prompting authorities to track down and arrest him, along with his accomplices.
ASP Sadiq also highlighted the arrest of a notorious vehicle thief, Bala Muhammad, who was caught in possession of a stolen Volkswagen Golf III during a routine patrol on September 8 in Funtua. Muhammad confessed to stealing the vehicle from a residence in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The Command also thwarted a theft and vandalism attempt at Hassan Usman Polytechnic in Katsina. On September 2, officers responded to a distress call and arrested Umar Muhammed and several accomplices while they were in the act of stealing armored cables from the institution. Tools used in the crime, including a digger, shovel, and handsaws, were recovered at the scene.
Another significant arrest was made on September 9, 2024, when Ahmad Sulaiman was apprehended in connection with the theft of electric service cables valued at ₦50 million from NAK Steel Rolling Company, Katsina.
The Command’s efforts also extended to recovering stolen solar panels. On September 15, officers intercepted Hussaini Idris, who was caught transporting three stolen 400 KVA solar panels in a Galaxy Ford vehicle. The suspect was en route to deliver the stolen panels to an accomplice, Abdulrahman alias Aguero, who is still at large.
The Command reiterated its commitment to combating crime across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Katsina State,” said ASP Sadiq. “The arrests we have made in recent weeks demonstrate our dedication to bringing criminals to justice and preventing further harm to the community.”
The suspects are expected to face charges as investigations continue.