The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested 225 suspects linked to various crimes and rescued 17 kidnapped victims across the state in May 2026.
Speaking at the Command Headquarters in Katsina, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the achievements were recorded through intelligence-led operations, joint security efforts, and sustained patrols aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, arms trafficking, and other criminal activities.
According to him, the suspects arrested included seven suspected kidnappers, 10 armed robbery suspects, one suspected bandit, two suspected informants, 21 drug peddlers, 10 murder suspects, 36 rape and sodomy suspects, 13 suspected social miscreants, and 130 others linked to various offences. He added that 150 major cases were reported during the period, while 109 cases had already been charged to court after investigations.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the Command also rescued 17 kidnapped victims, who were subsequently debriefed, medically examined, and reunited with their families. Police said efforts are continuing to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further criminal activities across the state.
The police further disclosed that several exhibits were recovered during operations, including 466 suspected rustled animals, three motor vehicles, 22 motorcycles, four bags of vandalized span wire, 141 Exol tablets, 190 sachets of Diazepam, 170 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 49 D5 tablets, 133 Pregabalin tablets, and five packs of Dexamethasone. The recovered items are being kept as evidence for prosecution.
DSP Aliyu said the Command recently launched the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and improve response to violent crimes. He noted that community policing activities were also intensified to boost public trust and encourage the flow of useful information from residents.
The Command commended the Katsina State Government under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support. It also thanked residents for their cooperation and urged them to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, warning criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.