The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Sani Dikko, for allegedly conspiring with two others to kidnap his grandfather and collecting N3 million ransom before his release.
Dikko was arrested alongside Kabir Sani, 22, and Salisu Bello, 22, during an operation conducted by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit along Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage.
The statement said the suspects were arrested on September 12, 2026, at about 8:23pm during a confidence-building patrol based on credible intelligence.
“On 12th September 2026, at about 8:23 pm, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while on a confidence-building patrol along Marabar Shema Village, acted on credible intelligence and successfully busted a three-man kidnap syndicate.
“The suspects were identified as: Sani Dikko, m, aged 22 – Informant, Kabir Sani, m, aged 22, Salisu Bello, m, aged 22.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to the commission of the offence. Specifically, Sani Dikko voluntarily confessed to conspiring with the other suspects to kidnap his grandfather, one Alhaji Lawal, about three weeks ago. The victim spent 16 days in captivity before securing her release following the payment of a ₦3,000,000 ransom.”
The command said the three suspects remained in custody as investigations continued into their alleged wider criminal network.
Meanwhile, the police also rescued two women who were abducted by bandits during an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, identified as 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were reportedly abducted at about 12:45am on September 14 by about eight armed bandits.
According to the police, the Kankia Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised operatives to the area after receiving a distress call.
The team engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
“Due to the superior firepower of the police team, the bandits fled into the surrounding bush, allowing operatives to successfully rescue both kidnapped victims unhurt,” the statement said.
CP Fage commended the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnapping and banditry in Katsina State.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing the police with timely and credible information to support prompt action against criminal elements.