The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of kidnapping and killing a 12-year-old boy in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area. The suspects were paraded before journalists on Wednesday at the command headquarters in Katsina.

Details of the Heinous Crime

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the victim was abducted on January 11, 2025, while running an errand for his mother. The kidnappers later contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦25 million.

“Despite the family’s efforts to negotiate, the kidnappers refused to release the boy and eventually killed him. His lifeless body was later found abandoned on the outskirts of Dankama town,” Sadiq revealed.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, tasked the Anti-Kidnapping Unit with investigating the case. Their efforts led to the arrest of two suspects:

• Muttaka Garba (24), alias Auta
• Yusuf Usman (20), alias Kwalwa

Both suspects confessed to the crime, and the phone used to demand the ransom was recovered as evidence. DSP Sadiq confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.

Police Uncover Counterfeit Currency Syndicate

The Katsina State Police Command also busted a four-man syndicate involved in circulating counterfeit currency. The operation began on December 31, 2024, with the arrest of one Aliyu Isah (24) in possession of two counterfeit $100 notes.

Isah attempted to exchange the fake currency for ₦300,000 at a bureau de change operated by Isma’il Dahiru, who reported the matter to the Rimi Divisional Police Headquarters.

Further investigation led to:

• The arrest of Aliyu Sani of Jibia LGA, with 30 counterfeit $100 notes recovered from his premises.
• The subsequent arrest of three additional suspects: Abubakar Sani, Alhaji Ummaru, and Haruna Ibrahim in Sabon Garin Alhaji Yahuza village, Batagarawa LGA, where 980 counterfeit $100 notes were seized.

DSP Sadiq confirmed that investigations into the syndicate are ongoing.

Suspected Thief Caught by Governor’s Convoy

In a separate incident on January 11, 2025, Abdullahi Ali (51) was arrested by the convoy of the Katsina State Governor at the Katsina Teaching Hospital. The suspect was caught vandalizing three vehicles in an attempt to gain access to them.

Ali successfully used a master key to open one of the vehicles belonging to Hon. Zaharaddeeni Usman, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Kurfi LGA. He stole ₦650,000 and four face caps.

DSP Sadiq stated, “The stolen funds and face caps were recovered from the suspect, who will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Security

These arrests underscore the Katsina State Police Command’s commitment to combating criminal activities, including kidnapping, counterfeiting, and theft. The swift responses and thorough investigations reflect efforts to ensure justice and safeguard the lives and property of residents.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to assist law enforcement in maintaining peace and security across the state.