By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Surajo Isyaku, for alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, arson, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising parts of Matazu Local Government Area.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips.
According to the Command, the suspect was apprehended on May 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. after detectives acted on credible intelligence and tracked him down in connection with multiple violent crimes in Sayaya Village and surrounding communities.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in several criminal activities and admitted links with a notorious bandit network operating in the area.
He alleged that he was introduced in 2024 to a suspected bandit kingpin identified as Bello by one Babaye, who is currently at large.
Police said the suspect confessed to participating in at least two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, during which a total ransom of ₦7 million was collected from victims. He further admitted receiving ₦900,000 as his share of the proceeds.
In another revelation, the suspect reportedly confessed to aiding cattle rustling operations in Dukawa Village, where 14 cows were stolen during two separate raids allegedly carried out alongside the same bandit gang. He claimed to have received ₦40,000 from the operations.
The Command further disclosed that the suspect also admitted involvement in the April 5, 2026 attack on Sayaya Village, during which houses were burnt and a police officer attached to Matazu Division was killed.
Police authorities said the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend fleeing accomplices, including Babaye and the suspected bandit leader, Bello.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, reiterating the Command’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnapping, cattle rustling, and banditry across Katsina State.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-banditry operations.
The Command confirmed that investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.
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