A Point of Sale operator and motorcycle spare parts dealer in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, Isiyaku Nasiru, has been arrested for allegedly helping a suspected bandit leader process cash transactions worth millions of naira.
Nasiru was reportedly arrested by the Katsina State Security Watch Corps alongside three other suspects identified as Abubakar Sayaya, Nura Baka Sati and Ubale Mai Cange.
The suspects were reportedly arrested at different locations across the state between Thursday and Saturday.
Matazu Local Government Chairman, Shamsuddeen Muhammad Sayaya, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were allegedly connected to the network of a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Kachalla Muhammadu.
According to the chairman, the investigation could provide security agencies with information about individuals allegedly involved in supporting criminal activities in the area.
Nasiru was allegedly part of a financial network through which money linked to Muhammadu was transferred to individuals suspected of procuring weapons and other supplies for the bandits.
Reports gathered indicated that Nasiru, who originally hails from Mashi Local Government Area, moved to Matazu years ago to pursue Islamic education before eventually going into business.
He later established a motorcycle spare parts business and began operating a PoS service in the community.
According to information reportedly obtained during interrogation, Nasiru allegedly received large sums of cash from Muhammadu through a person identified as Salmanu.
The money was allegedly transferred to another individual, Musa Sani, who was suspected of directing the funds towards the purchase of weapons and other supplies.
Reports further alleged that Salmanu delivered between N3 million and N5 million in cash to Nasiru daily. The PoS operator allegedly used the money to facilitate transactions for customers before retaining his commission and transferring the remaining funds to Sani’s bank account.
Sani was allegedly responsible for using the money to obtain guns, ammunition and motorcycles for Muhammadu.
Another suspect, Abubakar, was reportedly accused of collecting ammunition from Ubale. He allegedly told investigators that a senior bandit commander known as Lawal, also called Yaya, sent him to collect the ammunition.
Ubale reportedly confirmed that he handed ammunition to Abubakar on two occasions and allegedly identified Mustapha as his source.
Sati, another suspect, was also allegedly linked to the bandit network. He reportedly collected cattle from Muhammadu, sold them on his behalf and carried out other errands, including providing food and logistical support.
The arrests reportedly shocked residents because some of the suspects were known in their communities as businessmen and ordinary residents.
A resident identified as Imrana said Nasiru was regarded by many people as a peaceful businessman before his arrest and that his alleged connection to bandit activities came as a surprise.
Community leaders have called for a wider investigation to determine whether more individuals were involved in allegedly financing or supporting the criminal network.
Security operations have also been intensified around areas reportedly used as hideouts by Kachalla Muhammadu and his associates.
During operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops reportedly targeted suspected bandit enclaves around Maharba and Karaduwa in Matazu. The military said one of the locations was linked to Muhammadu, with an RPG-7 tube, motorcycle, mobile phones and other items reportedly recovered.
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Troops later reportedly killed a suspected bandit identified as “Smally,” who was described by the Army as a lieutenant to Muhammadu. Weapons, ammunition and motorcycles were also reportedly recovered.
Between September 14 and 16, troops reportedly neutralised two suspected terrorists along the Sayaya-Karaduwa road and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle and other items.
Meanwhile, a Katsina-based security expert, Abubakar Ibrahim, called for a thorough investigation into the arrests, stressing that the suspects should be given due process.
He said investigators should establish the individual roles of the suspects and determine whether there was sufficient evidence linking them to alleged financing, arms procurement or other forms of assistance to bandits.
He added that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted before a competent court.
When contacted, the Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor on Security, Yusuf Ibrahim Safana, said he would verify the report and respond later.
The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Sadik Aliyu, also said he was not aware of the arrests at the time of the report but promised to investigate and provide clarification.
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