by Taibat Ummi Yakubu

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man accused of collaborating with two others to kidnap his grandfather and allegedly profit from a ₦3 million ransom paid for the victim’s release.

Police identified the suspect as Sani Dikko, who was arrested alongside Kabir Sani and Salisu Bello, both aged 22, during a targeted operation carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) along Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the abduction of an elderly man, Alhaji Lawal, who was reportedly kidnapped several weeks ago and held captive for more than two weeks.

The Command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said preliminary findings indicated that Sani Dikko allegedly played a key role in the crime by providing information that aided the abduction.

Investigators believe the suspect conspired with the other two suspects to facilitate the kidnapping of his own grandfather, who was subsequently taken into captivity and held for 16 days before regaining freedom.

Police said the victim was eventually released after a ransom of ₦3 million was paid to the abductors.

The arrest followed intelligence gathering and surveillance by security operatives, leading to the apprehension of the three suspects, who are currently assisting investigators.

In a separate security operation, the police command recorded another breakthrough after rescuing two women who had been kidnapped by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area.

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The victims, identified as 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were rescued during a confrontation between security personnel and the kidnappers in Sha’iskawa Fulani Village.

Police said operatives engaged the armed suspects in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes.

Both women were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Reacting to the successes, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar Fage, praised the officers involved in the operations for their commitment and professionalism.

He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remains vital in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the state.

The latest arrests come amid intensified security operations by law enforcement agencies in several parts of Katsina State as authorities seek to curb criminal activities and improve safety in affected communities.