The Katsina State Police Command has said it rescued 73 kidnap victims and apprehended more than 175 suspects for various offenses within the month of May this year.

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said those arrested included 15 suspects in connection with a case of armed robbery.

Others, according to him, are 20 suspects apprehended in connection with a case of murder or culpable homicide and one suspect in connection with a case of kidnapping.

“Over 175 suspects were arrested for various offenses such as 15 suspects arrested in connection with a case of armed robbery. One suspect arrested in connection with a case of kidnapping,” he said. “Twenty suspects were arrested in connection with a case of murder or culpable homicide. One suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.

“Thirty suspects were arrested in connection with a case of rape. One hundred and eight suspects were arrested in connection with offenses not mentioned above.”
He said exhibits recovered include one locally fabricated AK-49, one locally made revolver pistol, 506 pieces of 7.62mm live rounds of ammunition, seven suspected stolen motorcycles, 174 suspected rustled animals, and the 73 kidnapped victims.

“These achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Katsina State Government and the good people of the state. We appreciate their support, collaboration, and assistance in our crime-fighting efforts to maintain law and order.

“However, we solicit more support and cooperation from the members of the public to enable us to further improve on these successes. We urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and crimes to the nearest police station or use our emergency numbers,” he added.