By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested several suspected illicit drug dealers and recovered thousands of suspected narcotic substances believed to be linked to criminal activities across the state.
The arrests, which involved joint operations by security operatives, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes, form part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and cut off supplies to criminal groups, including armed bandits.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 19, 2026, the command said the operations led to the recovery of 2,970 pieces of suspected illicit drugs, including Pregabalin, Exol, Tramadol and a substance suspected to be ICE.
The first breakthrough occurred on October 9, when members of the Civilian JTF attached to Bakori Local Government Area arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Muntari, at about 2 p.m.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended on reasonable suspicion of supplying illicit drugs to armed bandits operating in Bakori and neighbouring communities.
Police said 41 pieces of a substance suspected to be ICE were recovered from him during the investigation.
According to the command, Muntari allegedly confessed to receiving supplies from his elder brother, Adamu Muntari, who is currently at large, and distributing the substance in Kakumi village and surrounding communities.
Vigilantes Intercept Suspects in Charanci
In a separate operation, vigilantes in Kartaka village, Charanci Local Government Area, intercepted three suspected drug dealers travelling on a red motorcycle at about 11:30 p.m. on October 13.
The suspects were identified as Babangida Mamman, 40, Basiru Isah and Saminu Sada.
The command said the suspects allegedly refused to stop when flagged down, triggering a pursuit during which they sustained varying degrees of injuries. They were subsequently taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of 2,000 Pregabalin tablets, 765 Exol tablets and 29 Tramadol capsules.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to conspiring to procure the substances from one Abba M. in Karofi village, Dutsinma Local Government Area. The alleged supplier is currently at large.
Three More Suspects Arrested Along Mani–Dutsi Road
The police recorded another breakthrough on October 17, when operatives on routine patrol along the Mani–Dutsi Road intercepted and arrested three additional suspects around Magami village at about 11:30 a.m.
The suspects were identified as Umar Lawal, 27; Hashimu Lawal, 27; and Basiru Wada, 38.
According to the police, Umar Lawal was found with 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Exol tablets and a quantity of dried green leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Hashimu Lawal was allegedly found with 100 Exol tablets, 15 Pregabalin capsules and suspected Indian hemp, while Basiru Wada was found with a quantity of dried green leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The command said the suspects allegedly confessed to purchasing the substances from one Musa Magami, whom it described as a suspected illicit drug dealer currently at large.
Police Intensify Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects
The police said investigations into the cases were ongoing, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged drug trafficking networks.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the Civilian JTF, vigilante groups and police operatives for their cooperation in the operations.
Fage reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.
The command said further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.
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