The Katsina State Police Command has arrested three 22-year-old men over the alleged kidnap of an elderly man, including his grandson who reportedly conspired with the suspects to abduct him and secure N3 million ransom.
The suspects were identified as Sani Dikko, Kabir Sani and Salisu Bello.
Dikko, according to the police, allegedly provided information that facilitated the abduction of his grandfather, identified as Alhaji Lawal, who was held for 16 days before his release after the payment of N3 million.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit during a confidence-building patrol along Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage.
Aliyu said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:23pm on September 12, 2026, after operatives acted on credible intelligence concerning the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate.
According to the police, investigation into the case began after the arrest, with Dikko allegedly admitting to his role in the abduction.
The police said the suspect confessed that he worked with Kabir and Bello to kidnap his grandfather about three weeks before their arrest.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to the commission of the offence,” the statement said.
The command added that the three suspects remained in custody while investigation continued into their alleged activities and possible links to other criminal elements.
In a separate operation, the police rescued two women abducted by suspected bandits during an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area.
The victims, 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were reportedly taken away by about eight armed bandits at approximately 12:45am on September 14.
The Kankia Divisional Police Officer was said to have mobilised police operatives to the community immediately after receiving a distress call.
The responding team reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing the bandits to abandon the victims and escape into the surrounding bush.
Both women were subsequently rescued unhurt, according to the command.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, while reaffirming the command’s efforts to disrupt kidnapping and banditry across Katsina State.
CP Fage further urged residents to provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in identifying criminal elements and preventing attacks.
