Police: 999 suspects arrested, 70 guns recovered in Katsina within one year

The Katsina police command says a total of 999 suspects were arrested for various crimes across the state between January and December.

Sanusi Buba, Katsina police commissioner, said this on Thursday while addressing the media on the efforts of the command within the year.

According to a statement by Gambo Isah, Katsina police spokesperson, a total of 70 guns, including 44 AK-47 rifles, were recovered during various operations.

He also said a total of 215 abducted persons were rescued, adding that “2021 saw a reduction in crime rate in the state as compared with the previous year”.

“A total of 999 suspects were arrested in connection with 608 reported cases, while a total number of 874 arrested suspects are undergoing prosecution in various competent courts of law in the state,” he said.

“A total number of 157 suspected armed robbers were arrested and 145 suspects charged to court while 12 suspects are under investigation. 65 suspected kidnappers were also arrested and 63 suspects have been charged to court, while two suspects are under investigation.

“Two hundred and forty-four suspected cattle rustlers were arrested, of which 230 suspects have been charged to court while 14 suspects are under investigation.

“In the course of this campaign, 38 bandits were neutralised in various gun battles while five police officers paid the supreme price. 246 suspects were arrested in 195 reported cases of rape and unnatural offence.

“Sixty-three victims were rescued in four reported cases of human trafficking which were transferred to NAPTIP office in Kano state. 215 kidnapped victims were also rescued from suspected bandits/kidnappers during the period under review. 20 suspected stolen motor vehicles were recovered and 18 stolen/bandits’ motorcycles were also recovered.”

He listed the recovered arms and ammunition as “4 GPMG, 44 AK-47 rifles, 1 LAR rifle, 1 G3 rifle, 20 locally-made guns, 689 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition of AK-47 rifle, 109 anti-aircraft ammunition”.

According to Isah, the police commissioner expressed condolences to the families of officers who died in the line of duty.

He also commended sister security agencies, the state government, traditional rulers, as well as residents for their cooperation.