The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, cattle rustler, and alleged bandit informant connected to the deadly attack on Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The arrest was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, through a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
According to the police authorities, the suspect identified as Surajo Isyaku, 45, was apprehended on May 15 following intelligence-led operations conducted by security operatives.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly participated in the violent April 5 attack on Sayaya village, during which armed bandits reportedly set several houses ablaze and unleashed terror on residents.
The command disclosed that a police officer attached to the Matazu Division lost his life during the attack while responding to the security threat in the community.
According to Commissioner Umar-Fage, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was actively involved in kidnapping activities, cattle rustling operations, and collaboration with armed criminal gangs operating across affected communities.
“The suspect is believed to have been involved in several kidnapping operations, cattle rustling activities and acts of collaboration with armed bandits,” the commissioner stated.
Investigators further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping operations carried out alongside notorious bandit groups.
According to the police, the suspect admitted involvement in two separate kidnapping incidents in Sayaya village, where victims were reportedly released after ransom payments totaling approximately ₦7 million.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly received ₦900,000 as his share of the ransom proceeds.
The police commissioner further revealed that investigations linked the suspect to a wanted bandit kingpin identified simply as Bello.
According to the command, another fleeing suspect identified as Babaye allegedly introduced Isyaku to the notorious gang leader sometime in 2024.
Police authorities also accused the suspect of facilitating attacks on Dukawa village by allegedly inviting armed bandits into the community on at least two occasions.
The attacks reportedly resulted in the rustling of 14 cows by the criminal gang.
Investigators said the suspect confessed to receiving ₦40,000 from the proceeds of the stolen cattle after the animals were sold.
Security analysts say the arrest highlights the growing role of local informants and collaborators in aiding banditry, kidnapping, and rural criminal operations across parts of northern Nigeria.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network, including the alleged bandit leader Bello, Babaye, and other fleeing accomplices connected to the operations.
Commissioner Umar-Fage commended police operatives for the successful intelligence-driven arrest and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating violent crimes and restoring security across the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of assisting ongoing operations against criminal groups.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the commissioner assured.
The latest arrest comes amid continuing security concerns in several northern states affected by banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities.
Security experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering, community collaboration, and dismantling local support networks that aid criminal gangs operating in vulnerable regions.
Observers say the arrest could provide useful intelligence capable of exposing wider criminal structures linked to armed banditry within Katsina State and neighboring communities.
