The Katsina State Police Command has said it arrested a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, for alleged involvement in mutiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits.

A statement by a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the suspect, apprehended May 15, is believed to be among bandits terrorising Matazu council area and its environs.

It said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to have committed several atrocities, and that he was incroduced to the life of crime by another suspect who is now at large.

According the statement, the command under the leadership of CP Ali Umar Fage, “successfully arrested one Surajo Isyaku, aged 45 yrs, for alleged involvement in multiple cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant to armed bandits terrorising Matazu LGA and environs.

“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: 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.

“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 statement said the suspect would be charged in court, even as it called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.