Police in Katsina State have arrested 188 suspects and rescued 12 kidnap victims in a major crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
Katsina, Nigeria – The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 188 suspects linked to various crimes and rescued 12 kidnapped victims in a major security operation conducted in March.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing journalists, noting that the arrests were part of intensified efforts to combat crime across the state.
According to him, the operations targeted kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking through intelligence-led strategies and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
A breakdown of the arrests shows that 14 suspected armed robbers, two gunrunners, one suspected car thief, five suspected bandit informants, and 14 homicide suspects were apprehended.
He added that 20 suspected rape cases and 22 individuals involved in drug peddling were also recorded during the period.
Sadiq-Aliyu further revealed the arrest of a suspected member of a notorious gang linked to the killing of one Abu Abbasi, adding that investigations were ongoing.
The command also dismantled criminal networks involving informants and arms suppliers operating in Dutsinma and Safana Local Government Areas.
The police confirmed that the 12 rescued kidnap victims had received medical care and were reunited with their families.
Items recovered during the operations include two PKT rifles, two AK-47 rifles, three locally fabricated firearms, ammunition belts, and 974 rounds of live ammunition.
Other recoveries include 30 stolen animals and five motorcycles believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The police attributed the success to targeted raids on criminal hideouts, increased surveillance on major highways, and proactive community policing efforts.
Sadiq-Aliyu commended the support of other security agencies and local communities, noting that joint patrols and intelligence sharing significantly improved operational outcomes.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
