The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, identified as Surajo Isyaku, over alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and providing information to armed bandits terrorising Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage.
According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on May 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. following credible intelligence gathered by detectives attached to the Command.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation that he was introduced in 2024 to a notorious suspected bandit kingpin identified as Bello by another suspect, Babaye, who is currently at large.
The suspect allegedly admitted participating in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, where a total ransom of ₦7 million was collected from victims. He reportedly received ₦900,000 as his share of the proceeds.
He also confessed to inviting the suspected bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa Village on two separate occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled. Police said he received ₦40,000 from the operation.
Furthermore, the suspect was alleged to have participated in the April 5, 2026 attack on Sayaya Village, during which houses were burnt and a police officer attached to Matazu Division was killed.
The police stated that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, including Babaye, Bello and members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.
Police said investigation into the case is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
