Suspected drug dealer picked up in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command said it has arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer and three suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly involved in a series of criminal activities in Funtua Local Government Area and its environs. The command said the operation led to the recovery of illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, stolen property, […]

The Katsina State Police Command said it has arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer and three suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly involved in a series of criminal activities in Funtua Local Government Area and its environs.

The command said the operation led to the recovery of illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, stolen property, criminal charms and cash, as part of its ongoing efforts to rid the state of crime and criminality.

Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Funtua, arrested one Aliyu Umar, 22, popularly known as “Makami,” following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities around the Jabiri area of Funtua.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended on May 28, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., and a search conducted on him led to the recovery of 38 Exol tablets, 28 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, and a sharp knife.

 Police described him as a key member of a drug peddling syndicate operating in the area, adding that investigations are ongoing.

In a separate operation, police operatives attached to Makera Division arrested three suspected members of a criminal gang linked to GSM phone snatching, motorcycle theft, shop burglary and armed robbery. 

The suspects were identified as Salim Umar, 24, alias “Dan Salim”; Yusuf Mustapha, 23, alias “Tatto”; and Gaddafi Idris, 27, alias “One Love.”

The command said a search conducted on the suspects resulted in the recovery of two long knives, three machetes, two scissors, an iron pinch bar, torchlights, six mobile phones, a power bank, a wristwatch, a computer charger, two Opay ATM cards, 44 SIM cards, criminal charms, a key and N36,870 in cash.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the burglary of a shop belonging to one Ibrahim Mustapha along Bishir Idris Road, Funtua, from where valuables and cash were stolen. 

The police also linked the suspects to the robbery of one Salisu Ibrahim, whose Boxer motorcycle valued at N1.1 million was reportedly stolen.

The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.