Usamatu Adamu, the Village Head of Unguwan Tambai in Runka, Safana Local Government Area, has been arrested by the Katsina State Police Command.
His arrest is part of a broader operation against banditry and other crimes in the region.
The police spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, announced the arrest while parading around 15 suspected criminals in Katsina on Tuesday.
On October 3, following credible intelligence, the police successfully tracked down and apprehended Adamu, 45, who was residing in Sabon Gida village, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State. He is facing allegations related to criminal conspiracy and kidnapping.
“The suspect was arrested after a painstaking investigation following credible intelligence linking him to several kidnapping incidents in Runka, Safana LGA of the state.
“Preliminary investigations revealed his alleged involvement in the criminal conspiracy and kidnapping of persons, all of Runka town.
“He confessed to the commission of the offence and further mentioned Rabe Sada, (alias BBC), aged 62, and Nasiru Sha’aibu, aged 48, all of Runka village as his accomplices.
“The three were suspended for giving information to one Umar, a notorious suspected bandits’ kingpin hibernating in Runka forest. Investigation is still ongoing,” Mr Sadiq-Aliyu stated.
In a separate incident, on September 27, the police arrested Usman Mohammed-Iyal, a 24-year-old suspect linked to the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 16-year-old girl in Ambassadors Quarters, Katsina. The victim was on an errand for her mother when the alleged crime occurred.
“In a desperate bid to conceal his crime, the suspect threw the victim into a nearby well and hurled stones down the well, with an intent to kill her. Upon the victim’s disappearance, her father reported the incident at the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters, leading to swift action.
An investigation was immediately launched, successfully rescued the victim from the well and arrested the suspect. The victim is currently receiving medical attention. Investigation is currently ongoing,” he disclosed.
The police spokesman also reported the arrest of Binta Muhammed, 35, for suspected child cruelty, with the suspect confessing to the offence during the investigation. She will be charged in court once the investigation concludes.
Additionally, on September 25, three suspects were arrested at Kofar Durbi Quarters for vandalism and theft. “While on routine patrol, a team of police operatives, in collaboration with members of the vigilance group, intercepted the syndicate.
They were found in possession of some quantity of electric armored cable, a sharp pointed iron bar, and a hacksaw, suspected to have been stolen. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and further mentioned four other suspects now at large as their accomplices.
Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds,” he explained.
Furthermore, three other suspects were arrested on September 22 in connection with another case of vandalism and theft.
Mr Sadiq-Aliyu also reported the apprehension of four suspected thieves who broke into a house in Babban Mutum village, Baure LGA, stealing approximately N2million.
