.A notorious criminal one Surajo Isyaku, m, aged 45 yrs,  involved in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs in Katsina State has been arrested by police operatives.
A statement by DSP Abubakar Sadik Aliyu, Police Public Relations Officer of Katsina State Police Command dated May 18th, 2026 said on May 15th, 2026, at about 4:00 pm, acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the Command tracked and arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes and stated that he was introduced to one Bello, a notorious suspected bandit kingpin terrorising some parts of the state and its environs, by one Babaye, now at large, in the year 2024.
The suspect further confessed to kidnapping: participating twice in kidnapping operations at Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, where a total sum of ₦7,000,000 was collected as ransom from victims. He admitted receiving ₦900,000 as his share.
The statement further said
“Cattle Rustling: Inviting the said bandit kingpin Bello and his gang to Dukawa Village on two occasions, during which 14 cows were rustled. He received ₦40,000 as his proceeds.
“Arson and Homicide: Participating in the April 5th, 2026, attack and burning of houses in Sayaya Village, Matazu LGA, which resulted in the death of a policeman attached to Matazu Division.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the arrest of the fleeing accomplices, including the said Babaye and bandit kingpin Bello and members of his gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, commends the operatives for the swift action and reiterates the Command’s commitment in the fight against all forms of crimes and criminality, especially kidnapping and cattle rustling. He urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
Investigation is in progress, and the suspect will be charged in court upon conclusion.
