Police dismantle drug dealer and armed robbery syndicate in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command announced that it has arrested a suspected drug dealer and dismantled a four‑man armed robbery syndicate that operated in Funtua and nearby communities.

Police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq‑Aliyu said in a statement on Tuesday that the operation resulted in the recovery of drugs, weapons, stolen items and cash.

He reported that officers apprehended 22‑year‑old Aliyu Umar, known as “Makami,” during a raid in the Jabiri area of Funtua Local Government Area on May 28.

According to the spokesperson, the arrest followed credible intelligence that linked the suspect to drug‑trafficking activities in the region.

Items seized from him included 38 Exol tablets, 28 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, and a knife.

“The suspect is believed to be a key member of a drug‑peddling syndicate operating in the area. Investigation is ongoing,” he added.

In a separate operation, officers from the Makera Police Division arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery gang involved in phone snatching, motorcycle theft, shop breaking and other crimes.

The suspects—Salim Umar (24), Yusuf Mustapha (23) and Gaddafi Idris (27)—were taken into custody on May 21 following intelligence reports.

A search of the suspects yielded weapons such as knives, machetes, scissors and an iron pinch bar, as well as mobile phones, SIM cards, charms and cash.

The command said investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the gang’s operations and any possible links to other crimes in the area.