Katsina Police Arrest Seven in Kidnap Case, Recover N7.5m

The Katsina State Police Command successfully disbanded a seven-man kidnap syndicate linked to the abduction of an eight-year-old boy on May 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Katsina Metropolis. The victim, whose name is withheld, was kidnapped and later released after the family negotiated a ransom of N17 million from an initial demand of N50 million.

The police's newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of six gang members on May 23, 2026. The arrested suspects include Nura Aliyu (39), described as the mastermind and a neighbor to the victim's family, along with Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27), and Abdullahi Ismail (30).

During interrogations, the suspects confessed to their involvement, while one accomplice remains at large. The police recovered N7.5 million, part of the ransom, along with a Peugeot 307 and a Boxer motorcycle as exhibits.

CP Ali Umar Fage commended the operation and assured residents of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime in the state.