Police Bust Informant Network Linked To Terrorism In Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended a 13-year-old boy, Umar Hassan, and three other suspects, Lawai Umaru, 70, Ibrahim Lawai, 22, and Abdulganiyu Isah, 22, for allegedly supplying information to terrorists.

During a press briefing at the Command headquarters on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Abubakar Sadiq revealed that the suspects’ actions facilitated numerous attacks on villages and innocent civilians, including incidents of cattle rustling and kidnapping.

“On July 3, 2024, around 0800 hrs, the Command, in conjunction with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) stationed at Dansoda village, Dandume LGA, Katsina State, successfully arrested Umar Hassan, 13, from Sheik Abdullahi quarters in Dandume town, for his involvement in aiding and abetting armed banditry,” Sadiq stated.

Sadiq elaborated that Hassan was apprehended following intelligence reports about his activities, which indicated he specialized in providing information on villages and potential targets to armed bandits.

“During the investigation, the suspect admitted to the crime and implicated another accomplice named Abba, who is currently at large. He also confessed to being part of a gang that repeatedly attacked Unguwar Bawa village, resulting in multiple kidnappings and cattle rustling. The investigation is ongoing,” Sadiq added.

In a related development, based on credible intelligence, the police arrested Lawai Umaru, Ibrahim Lawai, and Abdulganiyu Isah from Babbar Ruga village, Batagarawa LGA, Katsina State.

The trio is accused of providing critical information to a notorious terrorist leader, Mustafa Dan Gambo, who is currently at large.

Sadiq confirmed that the suspects confessed during interrogation, and the investigation continues.