The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and nearby communities.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the suspect is also linked to the deadly attack on Sayaya Village, where several houses were set ablaze and a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed.
Police revealed that Isyaku was apprehended on May 15, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. following credible intelligence that led operatives to track him down.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crimes, stating that he was introduced to a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Bello in 2024 by an accomplice, Babaye, who is currently at large.
The police further disclosed that Isyaku admitted participating in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, where a total ransom of ₦7 million was collected. He reportedly received ₦900,000 as his share.
In addition, he confessed to facilitating cattle rustling operations by inviting the bandit leader and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, resulting in the theft of 14 cows. He said he earned ₦40,000 from those operations.
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The suspect also admitted involvement in the April 5, 2026 attack on Sayaya Village, which led to widespread destruction and the killing of a police officer.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices, including Babaye and the alleged bandit leader, Bello, along with members of their gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended officers for the successful arrest and reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and cattle rustling.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
Police confirmed that investigations are still in progress and that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion.
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