Police arrest drug peddler, smash four-man robbery syndicate in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious drug peddler and dismantled a four-man criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, motorcycle theft, shop breaking and phone snatching in Funtua Local Government Area of the State and its environs.

The Command said various exhibits, including illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, stolen items and cash, were recovered during separate operations carried out by its operatives.

According to DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, the achievements were recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage.

He said that on May 28, 2026, operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Funtua, acted on credible intelligence concerning the activities of a suspected criminal operating around the Jabiri area.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer swung into action and arrested one Aliyu Umar, 22, alias ‘Makami’, who is suspected to be a notorious drug peddler,” the Police spokesman said.

Aliyu disclosed that 38 pieces of Exol tablets, 28 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis and a sharp knife were recovered from the suspect.

Read also: Woman fakes abduction, enlists accomplices in N50m extortion scheme

“The suspect is believed to be a key member of a drug peddling syndicate terrorising the area. Investigation is ongoing,” he added.

In a related development, the command said three other suspects were apprehended following intelligence reports that wanted criminals had been sighted around the Makera area of Funtua.

The suspects were identified as Salim Umar, 24, alias “Dan Salim”; Yusuf Mustapha, 23, alias “Tatto”; and Gaddafi Idris, 27, alias “One Love”.

According to the statement, operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Makera Division responded swiftly and arrested the suspects.

Items recovered from them included two long sharp knives, three machetes, two scissors, an iron pinch bar, two torchlights, six mobile phones, a power bank, a wristwatch, a computer charger, two Opay ATM cards, 44 SIM cards, suspected criminal charms, a key and cash amounting to N36,870.

The Police further revealed that during investigation, one Ibrahim Mustapha reported at the station and identified the suspects as the gang that allegedly broke into his shop along Bishir Idris Road, Funtua, and stole valuables and cash.

Investigations also showed that the suspects allegedly attacked and robbed one Salisu Ibrahim of his Boxer motorcycle valued at N1.1 million.

“Suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” Aliyu stated.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the operatives for their professionalism and swift response. He reiterates the Command’s commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the people of Katsina State and urges members of the public to continue providing timely information to the command,” the statement said.