Police arrest seven over midnight home invasion in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of an armed robbery gang accused of carrying out a violent raid on a residential home in Katsina metropolis, making away with motorcycles, mobile phones and other valuables.

The arrests followed an intelligence-driven investigation into a robbery reported in the early hours of June 19 at Unwala Quarters in Katsina.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, said the victim, identified simply as Surajo, told police that armed men wielding cutlasses and clubs forced their way into his family house at about 2 a.m.

According to the statement, the attackers escaped with two UD motorcycles, seven mobile phones and two power banks.

Aliyu said detectives immediately began tracking those responsible, leading to the arrest of Sulaiman Sabo, also known as Labule, Muhammad Aminu, 20, Muhammad Yahaya, Muhammad Daddy, 20, Aliyu Kabir, Musa Kabir, 20, and Ahmad Usman, 23.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives were immediately drafted to investigate the incident. Through an intelligence-led operation, the team successfully apprehended all seven primary suspects involved in the robbery,” the police spokesman said.

Police said searches carried out at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the recovery of five stolen mobile phones, two stolen power banks, two cutlasses, a pinch bar allegedly used to gain entry into the house, a flashlight and a bunch of master keys believed to have been used during criminal activities.

Aliyu added that the suspects admitted their involvement during interrogation, while investigations uncovered four additional accomplices who allegedly helped dispose of the stolen property.

“The suspects voluntarily confessed to the commission of the offence, while investigations also revealed the identities of four other accomplices currently at large who allegedly assisted in disposing of the stolen property,” he said.

The command identified the fleeing suspects as Dahiru Nuhu Tsoho, Ibrahim, also known as Iro, Shafi’u Lawal and Aminu C., noting that efforts were continuing to arrest them and recover the outstanding stolen items.

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar Fage, praised the officers involved in the operation for their prompt response and professionalism.

He also appealed to residents to remain alert and continue sharing useful information with security agencies.

“We remain committed to ridding Katsina State of all forms of crime and criminality. We therefore call on members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information that will aid our operations,” the commissioner said.

The police said the seven suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.