By Abdullahi Inuwa
KATSINA — The Katsina State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of supplying materials to bandits operating in parts of the North-West and recovered items allegedly meant for the production of tactical jackets used by armed criminal groups.
The suspects, identified as Babangida Mohammed, 35, and Rabiu Isah, 30, were intercepted along the Jibia Road on August 21, 2026, during a proactive patrol conducted by police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes.
According to the police, the duo were travelling in a black Volkswagen Golf with registration number TFA29AA when security operatives stopped the vehicle at about 1:40 p.m. for a search.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of a bag containing several materials suspected to be linked to the production of jackets designed to carry ammunition magazines and other equipment.
Among the items recovered were six rolls of black belts, two rolls of green belts, a sewing machine, two dozen zippers, two leather pouches containing sockets, a black bag containing clothes and a pair of scissors.
Police authorities said the materials raised suspicion because of their alleged suitability for making specialised jackets used by armed bandits to carry magazines and other operational supplies.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly told investigators that they were travelling to Kwashabawa Village in Zamfara State, an area the police described as associated with banditry activities.
The arrest, according to the command, forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt not only armed criminals but also the network of individuals allegedly providing them with logistics, equipment and other forms of support.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the officers and vigilantes involved in the operation, describing their vigilance and professionalism as crucial to the success of the interception.
Fage reaffirmed the command’s determination to intensify its crackdown on individuals suspected of facilitating banditry across the state.
He warned that security operatives would continue to target collaborators, suppliers and informants allegedly working with criminal elements, stressing that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, after which they are expected to be arraigned before a court.
The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information capable of helping prevent attacks and expose criminal networks.
The police said cooperation between security agencies and communities remains essential to sustaining the fight against banditry and restoring lasting peace across Katsina State.
The arrest was announced by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, on August 27, 2026.
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