Police nab man for kidnapping grandfather in Katsina, rescue two women

The Katsina State Police have arrested a 22-year-old man named Sani Dikko. He is accused of working with two others to kidnap his grandfather and collect a N3 million ransom for his release.

Dikko was taken into custody with Kabir Sani, 22, and Salisu Bello, 22, during an operation by the police's Violent Crime Response Unit. This operation took place near Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the police's Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Wednesday. He was speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage.

The statement noted that the suspects were arrested on September 12, 2026, around 8:23 PM. This happened during a patrol based on reliable information.

"On 12th September 2026, at about 8:23 PM, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while on a confidence-building patrol along Marabar Shema Village, acted on credible intelligence and successfully busted a three-man kidnap syndicate.

“The suspects were identified as: Sani Dikko, m, aged 22, Informant, Kabir Sani, m, aged 22, Salisu Bello, m, aged 22.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to the commission of the offence. Specifically, Sani Dikko voluntarily confessed to conspiring with the other suspects to kidnap his grandfather, one Alhaji Lawal, about three weeks ago. The victim spent 16 days in captivity before securing her release following the payment of a ₦3,000,000 ransom.”

The police said all three suspects are still in custody. They are continuing their investigation to find out more about their possible criminal connections.

In another development, the police also rescued two women who were kidnapped by bandits during an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area.

The victims, 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were taken around 12:45 AM on September 14. This was done by about eight armed bandits.

The police reported that the Kankia Divisional Police Officer quickly gathered operatives to respond after getting an emergency call.

The team then confronted the attackers, leading to a shootout that forced the bandits to escape into the nearby bush.

"Due to the superior firepower of the police team, the bandits fled into the surrounding bush, allowing operatives to successfully rescue both kidnapped victims unhurt," the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police praised the operatives for their courage and skill. He also promised that the police will keep fighting against kidnapping and banditry in Katsina State.

CP Fage encouraged the public to keep giving the police timely and useful information. This will help them take quick action against criminals.