Police Bust Drug Supply Network To Bandits, Recover 2,970 Illicit Drugs In Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has intensified its offensive against banditry and illicit drug trafficking, arresting several suspects and recovering 2,970 pieces of assorted illicit drugs allegedly destined for criminal elements operating across parts of the state.

The police command said the operations, carried out in Bakori, Charanchi and Mani Local Government Areas, disrupted drug supply chains believed to be fueling bandit activities, while investigations had been launched to apprehend other suspects currently on the run.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the first breakthrough occurred on October 9, 2026, when members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) attached to Bakori Local Government Area arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer believed to be supplying illicit substances to armed bandits terrorising Bakori and surrounding communities.

Police said 41 pieces of a substance suspected to be ICE were recovered from the suspect, who allegedly confessed that he received the drugs from his elder brother, Adamu Muntari, now at large, before distributing them within Kakumi Village and neighbouring communities.

In another operation on October 13, vigilantes in Kartaka Village, Charanchi Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted three suspects travelling on a motorcycle.

The suspects—Babangida Mamman, Basiru Isah and Saminu Sada—reportedly attempted to evade arrest but sustained injuries during a hot pursuit and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The police recovered 2,000 Pregabalin tablets, 765 Exol tablets and 29 Tramadol capsules from the suspects.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to conspiring to procure the illicit drugs from Dutsinma Local Government Area.

The supplier is said to be currently being sought by the police.

Similarly, on October 17, operatives on routine patrol along the Mani–Dutsi Road intercepted and arrested Umar Lawal, Hashimu Lawal and Basiru Wada at Magami Village.

Recovered from the suspects were Pregabalin capsules, Exol tablets and quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspects reportedly confessed to purchasing the drugs from a suspected notorious drug dealer who remains at large.

The police command said investigations were ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend all fleeing suspects and dismantle the remaining drug distribution network.

Commending the operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage, praised the Civilian JTF, vigilantes and police operatives for their commitment and collaboration in combating crime.

He reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid Katsina State of criminal elements and appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information to assist security agencies in their ongoing fight against banditry and drug-related crimes.