Police arrest suspected bandit linked to Katsina attack

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities. The command said the suspect was also linked to the deadly attack on Sayaya village in Matazu LGA, […]

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The command said the suspect was also linked to the deadly attack on Sayaya village in Matazu LGA, during which a police officer was killed and several houses destroyed.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the suspect was arrested on May 15, 2026, at about 4pm following credible intelligence gathered by police operatives.
The statement said detectives attached to the command tracked and apprehended the suspect during an operation.
It added that during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in several criminal activities and disclosed that he was introduced in 2024 to a suspected notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello by another suspect, Babaye, who is currently at large.
Police said the suspect admitted participating in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya village, during which a total of N7 million was allegedly collected as ransom from victims. He reportedly confessed to receiving N900,000 from the proceeds.
He was also said to have confessed to inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were allegedly stolen. He reportedly received N40,000 from the operation.
The suspect further admitted participating in the April 5, 2026, attack on Sayaya village, during which houses were set ablaze and a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed.
Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, including Babaye, Bello and other gang members.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift action and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, cattle rustling and related crimes.
Police said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.