26/05/2026
Insecurity:🚨
*Katsina Police Parade Former Gov Aide Nura Aliyu Garwa as Alleged Mastermind of 8-Year-Old’s Kidnapping*
The Katsina State Police Command has paraded a seven-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of an 8-year-old boy in Katsina metropolis, naming former state government aide Nura Aliyu Garwa as the suspected mastermind.
On 13th May 2026, around 6:00 p.m., an 8-year-old boy was kidnapped while returning from an Islamic school in Sardauna Estate, Katsina metropolis. The next day, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded ₦50 million ransom. After negotiations, ₦17 million was paid and the boy was released.
Operatives of the police Violent Crime Response Unit acted on intelligence and arrested six members of the syndicate on 23rd May 2026. Police listed the suspects as Nura Aliyu (39), Abubakar Aminu (37), Ibrahim Muhammad (51), Iliyasu Sani (51), Abubakar Muhammad (27), and Abdullahi Isma’il (30). One other suspect, identified as Abdul, remains at large.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed and said one Abdul was their accomplice. Police recovered a Peugeot 307, a Boxer motorcycle, and ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom.
Nura Aliyu Garwa served as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. The role involved overseeing the distribution of empowerment materials to communities in Batsari Local Government Area.
According to the Katsina State Government, Garwa had been suspended from the position before the kidnapping allegations became public. The government said the suspension was over alleged diversion of empowerment materials meant for communities in Batsari LGA. After his suspension, Garwa declared intention to contest for the Batsari seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly.
Commissioner for Information and Culture Bala Salisu Zango said Garwa’s suspension took effect before the criminal allegations emerged. Governor Dikko Radda described the alleged activities as “unfortunate and disturbing,” given that the suspect previously held a sensitive government position and sought elective office. He commended the police for their work and urged the public to provide timely information on suspicious activities.
As of the latest reports, the suspects have been paraded by police and are under investigation. Police said a manhunt is ongoing for the fleeing suspect. No court conviction has been reported yet; Garwa remains an alleged suspect and alleged mastermind according to police and government statements.
ME: Even government official is also a bandit..... It's well oooo.. Kudos to the Naija police for the Weldon Job*