Police in Katsina State say they have arrested a suspected bandit informant linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling and a deadly attack on a rural community.
The Nigeria Police Force identified the suspect as 45-year-old Surajo Isyaku, who was apprehended by detectives following what officials described as “credible intelligence” in Matazu Local Government Area.
In a statement, police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq said the suspect allegedly confessed to working with a notorious bandit leader known as Bello, whom he said was introduced to him by another accomplice still at large.
According to the police, Isyaku admitted taking part in two kidnapping operations in Sayaya Village, where about seven million naira was collected as ransom. “He received N900,000 as his share,” the statement said.
Officers also linked him to cattle rustling two months ago and attack on the same village, during which houses were burnt and a police officer was killed. Police said he had helped invite bandits for raids in nearby communities.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects, while the state police commissioner, Ali Umar Fage, praised officers for the arrest and urged residents to continue providing information. The suspect is expected to be charged to court after investigations.
