Police Arrest 225 Suspects, Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims In Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested 225 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and arms trafficking, in May 2026.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the monthly operational scorecard of the command, noting intensified intelligence-led operations across the state.

He said the operations were carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage, through joint patrols and inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing insecurity.

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

According to him, among those arrested were seven suspected kidnappers, 10 armed robbery suspects, one suspected bandit, two informants, and 21 drug peddlers.

Others include 10 suspects linked to murder and culpable homicide, 36 suspects arrested for rape and sodomy, 13 social miscreants, and 130 persons arrested for other offences.

He stated that 150 major cases were reported within the period, with 109 already charged to court after investigations were concluded for prosecution.

The police also confirmed the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims during the operations conducted across various parts of the state.

The victims, according to the command, were debriefed, medically examined, and reunited with their families after their rescue.

Recovered items include laptops, mobile phones, a master key, a scanner, vehicles, motorcycles, and various exhibits linked to criminal activities.

The command also recovered rustled livestock and assorted drugs, including tramadol-related substances, pregabalin tablets, diazepam, and suspected cannabis.

Sadiq attributed the successes to sustained collaboration with other security agencies, joint operations, and intelligence sharing across security formations.

He assured that the command would continue intensifying efforts against criminal networks operating within the state despite the progress recorded.

The police also expressed appreciation to the Katsina State Government and the Inspector-General of Police for logistical and operational support in ongoing security operations.

Katsina remains one of the North-West states heavily affected by banditry and kidnapping, with security agencies maintaining sustained operations to reduce attacks on rural communities and highways.