The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, for alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and providing information to armed bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The command said the suspect was also linked to the deadly attack on Sayaya Village in Matazu LGA, where houses were burnt and a police officer attached to the Matazu Division was killed.
This is contained in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq and made available to newsmen on Monday in Katsina.
According to the statement, “the Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, has successfully arrested one Surajo Isyaku, m, aged 45 yrs, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs.
“On May 15th, 2026, at about 4:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the Command tracked and arrested the suspect.
“During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes and stated that he was introduced to one Bello, a notorious suspected bandit kingpin terrorising some parts of the state and its environs, by one Babaye, now at large, in the year 2024.
“The suspect further confessed to participating twice in kidnapping operations at Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, where a total sum of N7,000,000 was collected as ransom from victims. He admitted receiving N900,000 as his share.
“Cattle Rustling: Inviting the said bandit kingpin Bello and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled. He received N40,000 as his proceeds.
“Arson and Homicide: Participating in the April 5th, 2026, attack and burning of houses in Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, which resulted in the death of a policeman attached to Matazu Division.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the arrest of the fleeing accomplices, including the said Babaye and bandit kingpin Bello and members of his gang.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, commends the operatives for the swift action and reiterates the Command’s commitment to the fight against all forms of crimes and criminality, especially kidnapping and cattle rustling. He urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
“Investigation is in progress, and the suspect will be charged in court upon conclusion”, the statement read.
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