Police arrest 188 suspects, rescue 12 kidnap victims in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command arrested a total number of 188 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped victims in March 2026.

Abubakar Sadiq, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Katsina.

He said the achievements followed intensified operations targeting kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking across the state.

“The Katsina State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing crackdown on crime. The breakthroughs were driven by intelligence-led operations, improved inter-agency collaboration, and sustained patrols in identified flashpoints”, he said.

Giving the breakdown of the arrests, he said, “14 suspected armed robbers, two gun runners, one car rustler, five suspected bandit informants, and 14 suspects linked to culpable homicide were apprehended.

“The Command also arrested 20 suspected rapists and 22 individuals for illegal drug peddling”.

Sadiq further revealed the arrest of a notorious gang member allegedly connected to the killing of one Abu Abbasi, adding that investigations are ongoing.

He also noted that “Police operatives successfully dismantled criminal networks involving informants and gun runners supplying logistics to bandits in Dutsinma and Safana Local Government Areas.

“In addition to the arrests, the Command rescued 12 kidnapped victims, who were provided medical care and reunited with their families.

“The police also recorded major recoveries, including two PKT rifles, two AK-47 rifles, three locally fabricated firearms, two ammunition belts, and 974 rounds of live ammunition. Thirty rustled animals and five motorcycles used in criminal operations were also recovered”, he said.

The PPRO attributed the successes to targeted raids on criminal hideouts, increased surveillance on major highways, and proactive community policing strategies aimed at strengthening public trust and intelligence gathering.

He commended the support of other security agencies and local communities, stressing that joint patrols and realtime intelligence sharing have significantly improved operational efficiency.

While acknowledging the progress made, Sadiq maintained that “the fight against crime remains ongoing and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property”.

He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through appropriate channels.