The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 344 suspects linked to various criminal activities across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Katsina, where he provided an update on the operational achievements of the command for April 2026.

He said the command had, within the period under review, intensified its fight against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking through intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained patrols across identified hotspots.

According to him, the command’s approach remains proactive, with the results reflecting measurable progress in restoring public safety across the state.

He explained that within the period under review, 151 major cases were reported and investigated, with 128 already charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

The suspects arrested include two suspected kidnappers, 15 armed robbers, eight armed bandits, four informants, and 28 persons involved in drug peddling.

Also arrested were 28 suspects for murder/culpable homicide, 25 persons involved in rape and sodomy, 57 social miscreants, and 194 suspects for other criminal offences.

The command also said it neutralised one suspected kidnapper during a tactical encounter and rescued 27 kidnapped victims. The victims were debriefed, medically examined, and reunited with their families.

Items recovered during the period include 20 laptops, two GSM phones, one master key, 62 NIN slips, and one scanner.

Other recovered items include 243 suspected rustled animals, two stolen motor vehicles, two stolen motorcycles, 48 sachets of Exol tablets, 80 sachets of Tramadol tablets, and 32 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The command said all recovered exhibits are in custody and will be tendered in court as evidence.

“To deny criminals freedom of action, the command conducted multiple targeted night raids and cordon-and-search operations in identified enclaves across the state.

“We maintained heightened intelligence-led patrols and stop-and-search operations along major highways, including the Katsina–Zaria Highway, resulting in the interception of contraband and suspected criminal logistics.

“Undercover operatives also generated actionable intelligence that led to several arrests.

“Community policing engagements were sustained across communities to enhance local trust and intelligence flow.

“These achievements were made possible through sustained collaboration with sister security agencies in joint security operations. Joint patrols and real-time intelligence sharing have significantly improved our response time and operational effectiveness across Katsina State.

“In conclusion, while we acknowledge these gains, the command is fully aware that more work remains to be done, and we are not resting on these achievements.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate the Katsina State Government under His Excellency Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., CON, for its unwavering support, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous logistical and moral backing. I also thank the good people of Katsina State for their cooperation and trust.

“We urge you to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police through our dedicated command hotline. Criminal elements are hereby warned to desist from all acts of criminality or face the full weight of the law,” he said.