The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 188 suspects linked to various criminal activities and rescued 12 kidnapped victims in March. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Katsina, saying the feat was part of ongoing efforts to combat crime. He said the command recorded significant successes in intensified operations against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and arms trafficking across the state.

Sadiq-Aliyu attributed the achievements to intelligence-led operations, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and sustained patrols in identified flashpoints. According to him, the arrests include 14 suspected armed robbers, two gunrunners, one suspected car thief, five suspected bandit informants and 14 suspects linked to homicide. He added that 20 suspected rapists and 22 persons involved in illegal drug peddling were also arrested during the period.

The PPRO further revealed the arrest of a notorious gang member allegedly linked to the killing of one Abu Abbasi, noting that investigations were ongoing. He said the command also dismantled criminal networks involving informants and gunrunners supplying logistics to bandits in Dutsinma and Safana local government areas. Sadiq-Aliyu stated that the 12 rescued victims had received medical attention and were reunited with their families.

Items recovered during the operations include two PKT rifles, two AK-47 rifles, three locally fabricated firearms, two ammunition belts and 974 rounds of live ammunition. Others are 30 stolen animals and five motorcycles used in criminal activities. He added that the successes were achieved through targeted raids on criminal hideouts, increased highway surveillance and proactive community policing initiatives. (NAN)