crime

Katsina Police Bust Kidnapping Gang, Recover N7.5m

Published

5 months ago

May 24, 2026

Katsina kidnapping gang bust leads to arrest of six suspects and recovery of N7.5m ransom after abduction of eight-year-old boy

The Katsina State Police Command has dismantled a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis and recovered ₦7.5 million suspected to be part of ransom paid by the victim’s family.

Also read: Army Neutralises Three Terrorists in Katsina Raid

Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, noting that six suspects had been arrested while one member of the gang remains at large.

The Katsina kidnapping gang bust was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage.

According to the statement, the victim was kidnapped on May 13, 2026, while returning from an Islamic school in Katsina metropolis. The suspects later demanded ₦50 million ransom before negotiations led to a payment of ₦17 million.

Following the report, police operatives launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of six members of the syndicate on May 23, 2026.

Those arrested include Nura Aliyu (39), identified as the alleged mastermind and neighbour to the victim’s family, alongside Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27) and Abdullahi Isma’il (30).

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and named an accomplice identified only as Abdul, who is currently on the run.

Police also recovered ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom money, alongside a Peugeot 307 vehicle, a Boxer motorcycle and other exhibits linked to the operation.

Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage commended the operatives for their swift response and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and curb kidnapping activities across the state.

Also read: Security Forces Kill Five Bandits In Katsina Raid

The Katsina kidnapping gang bust has been described by security authorities as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the region.

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

5 hours ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.