Katsina Police smash crime rings, arrest 168 suspects in one month

By Zubairu Idris

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 168 suspected criminals in connection with 105 reported cases across the state in September, the Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed on Friday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Katsina, Aliyu said the arrests cut across various offences including robbery, murder, rape, vandalism, and drug peddling.

According to him, the suspects comprised 12 robbers, five individuals arrested for murder or culpable homicide, and over 20 suspected rapists.

Others included nine vandals, two gunrunners, three persons for unlawful possession of firearms, and 14 suspected drug dealers.

Aliyu revealed that police operations during the period also led to the foiling of several bandit attacks, the neutralisation of five suspected bandits, and the rescue of more than 80 kidnapped victims.

Recovered exhibits included 1,298 rounds of live ammunition, four cartridges, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated firearm, five suspected stolen vehicles, and five motorcycles.

Also recovered were 1,096 tramadol tablets, 42 exol tablets, quantities of dried cannabis, and vandalised electric cables.

The Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commended residents for their cooperation and urged continued support for the fight against crime.

“We sincerely express our deepest appreciation for the support, collaboration, and assistance we’ve received from members of the public. We urge everyone to continue reporting suspicious activities through our emergency lines,” he said.

Residents were advised to reach the police through emergency numbers 08156977777, 09022209690, and 07072722539. (NAN)