The police command in Katsina has arrested a suspected kidnapper, cattle rustler and bandit informant linked to the deadly Sayaya village attack in Matazu LGA.

The commissioner of police, Ali Umar-Fage, disclosed this on Monday in a statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

Mr Umar-Fage said detectives arrested the suspect, Surajo Isyaku, 45, on May 15 after acting on credible intelligence gathered by operatives. He said the suspect allegedly participated in the April 5 attack on Sayaya village, during which the bandits burnt several houses.

The commissioner added that a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed during the violent attack on the community. According to Mr Umar-Fage, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping operations, cattle rustling and collaboration with armed bandits terrorising communities in the area.

“The suspect is believed to have been involved in several kidnapping operations, cattle rustling activities and acts of collaboration with armed bandits,” he said.

Mr Umar-Fage disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Mr Isyaku was introduced in 2024 to a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello. He explained that another suspect, Babaye, who remains at large, allegedly introduced Mr Isyaku to the wanted bandit leader.

The police commissioner said Mr Isyaku admitted participating in two kidnapping operations carried out in Sayaya village alongside other gang members.

He said victims abducted during the operations reportedly paid a combined ransom of N7 million before regaining their freedom. According to Mr Umar-Fage, the suspect allegedly received N900,000 as his share from the ransom proceeds realised from the kidnappings.

“The suspect further confessed to inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa village on two occasions,” the commissioner stated.

He added that the attacks on Dukawa village allegedly resulted in the rustling of 14 cows by the armed gang.

Mr Umar-Fage said the suspect confessed to receiving N40,000 from proceeds generated through the sale of the stolen cattle.

The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing gang members, including Bello, Babaye and other accomplices linked to the criminal network. He commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.

Mr Umar-Fage urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing security operations. He assured the public that investigations into the case were continuing and the suspect would be charged to court after investigations conclude.

(NAN)