The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested 225 suspects linked to various criminal activities and rescued 17 kidnapped victims in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the state in May 2026.
The command disclosed the figures on Thursday while presenting its monthly operational report, describing the outcome as part of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity in one of Nigeria’s most troubled states.
Speaking in Katsina, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said the operations were carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage through coordinated intelligence gathering, joint patrols and collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the command, the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from kidnapping and banditry to armed robbery, murder, drug trafficking and sexual offences.
Among those arrested were seven suspected kidnappers, 10 armed robbery suspects, one suspected armed bandit, two suspected informants believed to be aiding criminal networks and 21 suspected drug traffickers.
The police also arrested 10 suspects in connection with murder and culpable homicide cases, 36 suspects linked to rape and sodomy, 13 alleged social miscreants and 130 persons for various other offences.
“Our approach remains proactive, and the results reflect measurable progress in restoring public safety across the state,” Sadiq said.
The command further revealed that 150 major criminal cases were reported and investigated during the month under review, with 109 already charged to court following the completion of investigations.
One of the major highlights of the operations was the rescue of 17 kidnap victims from different locations across the state.
According to police authorities, the victims were safely recovered, medically examined, debriefed and reunited with their families.
The command also announced the recovery of a significant quantity of stolen property, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities.
Recovered items include 20 laptops, two mobile phones, one master key, a scanner, three vehicles and 22 motorcycles.
Security operatives also recovered 466 suspected rustled animals, highlighting the continuing challenge of cattle rustling, which remains a major security concern in many rural communities across the North-West.
Other exhibits recovered include four bags of vandalised span wires and various controlled substances such as 141 Exol tablets, 190 sachets of Diazepam, 170 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, 49 D5 tablets, 133 Pregabalin tablets and five packs of Dexamethasone.
Sadiq said all recovered items remain in police custody and would be tendered as evidence during prosecution.
The police spokesman attributed the successes to sustained cooperation among security agencies operating in the state, particularly through intelligence sharing and coordinated field operations.
He also commended the Katsina State Government and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support in strengthening security operations.
Katsina remains one of the states most affected by banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in Nigeria’s North-West region. In recent years, security agencies have intensified offensives against criminal gangs operating from forests spanning parts of Katsina and neighbouring states.
Despite recurring attacks on rural communities and highways in Katsina , authorities insist that ongoing intelligence-driven operations and increased collaboration among security agencies are gradually degrading criminal networks and improving public safety across the state.
