Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Kidnapped Grandfather in Katsina, Rescue Two Victims

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Sani Dikko, who allegedly conspired with two others to kidnap his grandfather. According to the police, Dikko and his alleged accomplices, Kabir Sani and Salisu Bello, both also aged 22, were arrested during an operation along Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state. The arrests were made on September 12, 2026, following what the command described as credible intelligence.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that Dikko allegedly helped plan the kidnapping of his grandfather, identified as Alhaji Lawal, about three weeks before the suspects were arrested. The victim reportedly spent 16 days in captivity before being released after a ransom of N3 million was paid. Police authorities said all three suspects remained in custody while investigations continued into their alleged activities and whether they were connected to other criminal operations.

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit during a confidence-building patrol. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage. The command said the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary investigation, although the allegations remain subject to further investigation and possible prosecution.

In a separate operation, the police rescued two women who were reportedly abducted during an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area. The victims, identified as 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were reportedly taken during an attack on September 14. Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia mobilised officers to the area, leading to an encounter that caused the attackers to flee and enabled the safe rescue of the two women.

Commissioner Fage commended the police personnel involved in both operations and said the command would continue efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across Katsina State. He also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to assist investigations and enable quicker responses to criminal incidents. The arrested suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.