Katsina police arrests 168 suspects linked to 105 crimes, recovering weapons, drugs, and rescuing over 80 kidnapped victims in a major crackdown

Katsina police arrests have led to the capture of 168 suspected criminals linked to 105 reported cases across the state in September, according to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu.

Also read: Police rescue seven kidnap victims in Katsina after midnight attacks

Speaking at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Katsina on Friday, Aliyu said the arrests covered a wide range of offences including robbery, murder, rape, vandalism, and drug peddling.

He explained that those arrested comprised 12 robbers, five individuals held for murder or culpable homicide, and over 20 suspected rapists. Others included nine vandals, two gunrunners, three persons for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspected drug dealers.

Aliyu disclosed that the month-long police operations also foiled several bandit attacks, neutralised five suspected bandits, and led to the rescue of more than 80 kidnapped victims across different parts of the state.

Recovered exhibits during the operations included 1,298 rounds of live ammunition, four cartridges, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated firearm, five suspected stolen vehicles, and five motorcycles.

In addition, the Command recovered 1,096 tramadol tablets, 42 exol tablets, quantities of dried cannabis, and vandalised electric cables — further evidence of the police’s powerful anti-crime push.

The Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended residents for their cooperation, stressing that community support was vital to sustaining security gains.

“We sincerely express our deepest appreciation for the support, collaboration, and assistance we’ve received from members of the public. We urge everyone to continue reporting suspicious activities through our emergency lines,” Shehu said.

Residents were advised to reach the police through the emergency numbers 08156977777, 09022209690, and 07072722539.

Also read: Police rescue seven kidnap victims in Katsina after midnight attacks

With the recent surge in coordinated operations, the Katsina police arrests reflect a renewed determination by the Command to strengthen public safety and restore confidence in law enforcement across the state.