POLICE ARREST SUSPECT OVER KIDNAPPING, CATTLE RUSTLING IN KATSINA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, for alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.

The command also linked the suspect to a deadly attack on Sayaya Village in Matazu LGA, where several houses were burnt and a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on May 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. following credible intelligence gathered by detectives of the command.

“The Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, has successfully arrested one Surajo Isyaku, aged 45 years, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs,” the statement read.

Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to participating in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, where a total ransom of ₦7 million was allegedly collected from victims.

He reportedly admitted receiving ₦900,000 as his share of the proceeds.

Investigators also alleged that the suspect invited a notorious bandit leader identified as Bello and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled.

According to the police, Isyaku received ₦40,000 from the cattle rustling operations.

The command further linked the suspect to the April 5, 2026 attack on Sayaya Village, which resulted in the burning of houses and the killing of a police officer.

Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, including the alleged bandit kingpin Bello and another accomplice identified as Babaye.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives involved in the arrest and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling across the state.

He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.

Police said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.