In recent operations, the Katsina State Command has made significant arrests, including a 13-year-old boy suspected of aiding armed bandits.
ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, spokesperson for the command, disclosed this development on Friday, July 19, 2024.
The boy, residing in Sheik Abdullahi quarters of Dandume town, was apprehended following collaborative efforts between the command and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) in Dansoda village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA). He stands accused of aiding and abetting armed banditry by providing information on potential targets.
The statement read: “On July 3, the command, in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) attached to Dansoda village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA), succeeded in arresting the 13-year-old boy.
“He resides in Sheik Abdullahi quarters of Dandume town. He was arrested in connection to a suspected case of aiding and abetting armed banditry.
“The suspect was arrested following the intelligence tips on his nefarious activities. He specialises in providing information on potential targets to suspected armed bandits
“In the course of investigation, he confessed to the crime and further mentioned one Abba, now at large, as his accomplice.”
During interrogation, the young suspect admitted to his involvement and implicated an accomplice named Abba, who remains at large. He also confessed to participating in multiple attacks on Unguwar Bawa village, where the gang engaged in kidnapping and livestock rustling.
In another operation, the command arrested Musaddik Abdullahi from Kofar Kaura quarters, Katsina, for his involvement in a notorious kidnapping syndicate. Additionally, Abdulaziz Shehu, 18 years old from Shagari Low-cost, Katsina, and Umar Lawal, 21 years old from Rahamawa quarters, were apprehended in connection with theft and fraud.
The PPRO said: “The suspects specialise in swapping point-of-sale (POS) machines of unsuspecting members of the public with fake ones and fraudulently withdrawing money from their accounts.”
Furthermore, police operatives arrested three individuals from Babbar Ruga village, Batagarawa LGA, on suspicion of providing sensitive information to Mustafa Dan-Gambo, a notorious bandit leader.
This intelligence facilitated various criminal activities, including cattle rustling and kidnapping in Jibia LGA and its surroundings. Dan-Gambo, however, remains at large.
Investigations into these cases are ongoing as the command continues its efforts to curb criminal activities within Katsina State.
