Police Nab Bandits Informants in Katsina, Recover Rustled Animals

The Police Command in Katsina State announced the successful arrest of two suspects accused of aiding and abetting banditry, along with the recovery of suspected rustled animals. This achievement underscores the ongoing efforts to curb banditry in the region, facilitated by effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local community groups.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed these developments in a statement issued in Katsina on Thursday. He detailed how the arrests were made in Jibia Local Government Area through a concerted effort involving the police, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and local hunters.

"On July 25, 2024, a team of police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, while on routine patrol in collaboration with the KSCWC and Hunters, successfully arrested two suspects from Zandam village, Jibia LGA," Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The suspects were apprehended near Magama cemetery in possession of two rams, one sheep, and a goat, all suspected to have been rustled.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to receiving the rustled animals from a notorious bandit leader known as Nura from Mazanya village in Jibia, who is currently at large. Sadiq-Aliyu explained that the suspects were en route to sell the animals at Magama market in Jibia Local Government Area when they were intercepted.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects had frequently received and disposed of rustled animals on behalf of the bandit leader. Sadiq-Aliyu confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive bandit leader while the investigation continues.

This operation is part of the sustained efforts by the police command to combat armed banditry, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar-Musa. The command's proactive measures and partnerships with local community groups have been crucial in disrupting criminal activities and enhancing security in the region.

The arrest of these suspects and the recovery of rustled animals highlight the importance of community-police collaboration in tackling banditry and other forms of criminality. It also underscores the commitment of the Katsina State Police Command to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

This news comes at a time when the state and the country at large are grappling with the menace of banditry and its impact on security and socioeconomic stability. The successful operation serves as a reminder of the critical role of community vigilance and cooperation in supporting law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime.

As investigations proceed, the police command has reiterated its commitment to rooting out banditry and ensuring that those involved face the full weight of the law. The public is encouraged to continue providing valuable information that can aid in the capture and prosecution of criminals.