The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Sani Dikko, for allegedly conspiring with two others to kidnap his grandfather identified as Alhaji Lawal, and collecting N3m ransom for his release.

Dikko was arrested alongside Kabir Sani, 22, and Salisu Bello, 22, during an operation by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit along Marabar Shema Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on September 12, 2026, at about 8:23pm during a confidence-building patrol following credible intelligence.

The statement said preliminary investigation revealed that Dikko allegedly conspired with the other suspects to abduct his grandfather about three weeks earlier.

It added that the victim spent 16 days in captivity before his release following the payment of N3m ransom.

The statement quoted Dikko as having confessed to his involvement in the abduction.

The command said all three suspects remained in custody as investigations continued to establish the extent of their activities and uncover other members of their alleged criminal network.

Meanwhile, police operatives in Katsina have rescued two women abducted by bandits during an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village in Kankia Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, identified as 45-year-old Assubi Rabe and 27-year-old Rabi Isyaku, were abducted at about 12:45am on September 14 by about eight armed bandits, according to the police.

The command said the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene after receiving a distress call.

The police team subsequently engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.

“Due to the superior firepower of the police team, the bandits fled into the surrounding bush, allowing operatives to successfully rescue both kidnapped victims unhurt,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, and reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping and banditry across the state.

Fage also urged members of the public to continue providing the police with timely and credible information to facilitate prompt action against criminal elements. (Text, excluding headline: The PUNCH)