The Katsina State Police Command has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of aiding banditry and the recovery of animals believed to be stolen.
This was revealed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, in a statement released on Thursday.
The arrests occurred in the Jibia Local Government Area with the cooperation of the State’s Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and local hunters.
“On July 25, 2024, police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, working alongside the KSCWC and hunters, apprehended two suspects from Zandam village in Jibia LGA during a routine patrol.
The suspects were caught near Magama cemetery with two rams, one sheep, and a goat, which are suspected to have been stolen,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated.
During investigation, the suspects admitted to receiving the animals from a notorious bandit leader named Nura from Mazanya village, who is currently at large.
The suspects intended to sell the animals at the Magama market in Jibia LGA and confessed to having previously dealt with rustled animals from the bandit leader.
Sadiq-Aliyu assured that efforts are ongoing to capture the fugitive suspect and continue the investigation.
He highlighted that this success reflects the command’s continuous efforts to combat armed banditry under the leadership of Commissioner Aliyu Abubakar-Musa.
Banditry has been a major issue in Katsina State, causing loss of life, displacement of residents, and economic disruptions.
The collaboration between the police, KSCWC, and local hunters is part of a broader strategy to enhance community security and intelligence gathering.
This partnership aims to involve local communities in the fight against banditry, leveraging their knowledge of the terrain and local dynamics.
In recent months, the Katsina State Police Command has intensified efforts to crack down on banditry and related crimes.
Several operations have led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of stolen property, including livestock and other valuables.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Katsina State.
He urged residents to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and accurate information that can help in the fight against crime.
He also emphasised the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.
The police command assured the public that all information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
As the investigation continues, the police are optimistic about capturing the fugitive bandit leader and further dismantling the network of criminal elements operating in the area.
