Police arrest bandit informant linked to deadly attack in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has made a significant arrest, apprehending Surajo Isyaku, a 45-year-old man accused of acting as an informant for notorious armed bandits terrorizing Matazu Local Government Area and its environs. This arrest is a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle banditry networks that have plagued the region.

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The Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, has successfully arrested one Surajo Isyaku, m, aged 45 yrs, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs.

Isyaku's alleged involvement is extensive, spanning multiple criminal activities including kidnapping, cattle rustling, and providing vital information to the bandits. Most disturbingly, he is linked to the brutal attack on Sayaya Village, an incident that resulted in the burning of homes and the tragic death of a police officer attached to the Matazu Division. His confession paints a grim picture of his complicity, detailing his participation in at least two kidnapping operations where millions of Naira were collected as ransom, with him receiving a substantial share.

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During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes and stated that he was introduced to one Bello, a notorious suspected bandit kingpin terrorising some parts of the state and its environs, by one Babaye, now at large, in the year 2024.

Beyond kidnappings, Isyaku admitted to facilitating cattle rustling, leading to the theft of 14 cows on two separate occasions, for which he received monetary proceeds. His confession also implicates him in the arson and homicide that occurred in Sayaya Village on April 5th, 2026. The police are now intensifying efforts to apprehend his accomplices, including a key bandit kingpin named Bello and another individual identified as Babaye, who are currently at large.

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The suspect further confessed to participating twice in kidnapping operations at Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, where a total sum of N7,000,000 was collected as ransom from victims. He admitted receiving N900,000 as his share.

From the perspective of The Punch, this arrest signifies a moment of progress in the fight against rampant insecurity in Katsina. The detailed confessions highlight the intricate nature of these criminal enterprises, often involving local informants who enable larger-scale violence. The commitment of the Katsina State Police Command, under CP Ali Umar Fage, to pursue these cases and bring perpetrators to justice is commendable. However, the ongoing efforts to capture the remaining kingpins and their gangs underscore the persistent challenges faced in eradicating banditry. The public's continued cooperation in providing credible information remains vital in these operations, as the command reiterates its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security to the state.

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Cattle Rustling: Inviting the said bandit kingpin Bello and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled. He received N40,000 as his proceeds.