The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended a 38-year-old man, Mubarak Bello, over alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and for impersonating an officer with the rank of ‘AD Asst.’
Bello, a resident of Kofar Yamma Quarters in Kurfi Local Government Area, was stopped by security operatives during a routine patrol around 2:30 am on Saturday.
This development was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, Abubakar Aliyu, speaking on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu.
Aliyu noted that the arrest was made after officers observed suspicious behavior during their patrol.
“On September 13, 2025, at about 0230hrs, while on routine patrol, officers attached to the command’s department of operations successfully arrested one Mubarak Bello, m, age 38, of Kofar Yamma quarters, Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, in connection with illegal possession of a firearm and impersonation.”
He explained that the suspect, who was driving a Toyota Corolla, could not properly account for himself or the vehicle when questioned.
“The team, acting on heightened vigilance and proactive policing strategies, intercepted a Toyota Corolla, ash colour, with registration No. Lagos GGE 473 BH, driven by the suspect.
“Upon questioning, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory account of himself or the vehicle, prompting an immediate search,” he said.
During the search, officers discovered several incriminating items.
“During the search of the vehicle, the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspect: one locally fabricated rifle, four live cartridges, two expended shells of cartridges, a fake police ID card, and an extra plate number (Kano FGE 68).”
Aliyu further stated that the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to unravel the full circumstances behind the illegal possession of arms, fake identification, and other recovered materials.
“The suspect is in custody as investigations are being intensified to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm, fake ID, and other exhibits,” Aliyu concluded.