Police capture notorious bandit Abu Dankano, in Katsina

DDM News

A major security breakthrough has been recorded in Katsina State with the arrest of a notorious bandit leader.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the suspect, identified as Abubakar Umar, is popularly known in criminal circles as Abu Dankano.

He was arrested by the Katsina State Police Command following a well-coordinated tactical operation on March 29, 2025.

The arrest came after the reported kidnapping of a 25-year-old man, Badamasi Isiyaka, earlier in the month.

Isiyaka was abducted on March 1, 2025, sparking panic among residents and his immediate family.

Just two days after the incident, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of thirty million naira.

Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the development through a publication released on Sunday.

Police detectives immediately launched a manhunt, following digital trails left behind by the kidnappers during ransom negotiations.

The operation led them deep into Shimfida Forest, a known hideout for bandits in Jibia Local Government Area.

There, they apprehended 26-year-old Umar, who reportedly has strong connections to other high-profile criminal figures.

During interrogation, Umar confessed to planning the abduction and participating in several criminal operations.

He also revealed ties to notorious northern bandit leaders such as Bello Turji, Dankarami, Na-Mardiyya, and a man named Black.

These individuals have long been on the radar of security agencies across Nigeria’s northwestern states.

Fortunately, the kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed and is now safely reunited with his family.

Police operatives confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members involved in the crime.

Katsina and other northwestern states have faced repeated attacks from armed bandit groups in recent years.

These criminal organizations often operate from dense forests, using motorcycles and local informants to carry out ambushes and kidnappings.

Many of these groups are motivated by financial gain through ransom payments and illegal trade in arms and livestock.

Efforts to end their activities have included military air raids, ground assaults, and intelligence operations.

Despite these efforts, banditry remains a significant threat to rural communities and road travelers.

In a separate operation in Benue State, security forces apprehended three members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate.

The arrests occurred early on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in the Ogoli-Ugboju area of Otukpo Local Government.

Local authorities confirmed that the suspects are part of a five-man gang terrorizing communities in the region.

The operation was conducted through collaboration between security operatives and local government authorities.

It was spearheaded by Hon. Prince Maxwell Ogiri, Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Among those arrested were Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu, and Abu Umaru — all identified as key gang members.

The suspects were captured following a chase led by vigilante groups and police units working in unison.

Chairman Ogiri praised the swift and coordinated response by the security personnel involved in the mission.

He expressed confidence that the remaining two gang members would soon be captured and brought to justice.

Authorities also suspect that the gang had support from local collaborators who are now under investigation.

Otukpo and nearby communities have seen a rise in criminal activity over the past year.

Kidnappings, armed robbery, and cattle rustling have plagued residents and disrupted local commerce.

The Benue State government has been pushing for increased federal support to improve security in the region.

Vigilante efforts have grown more organized, receiving backing from community leaders and security agencies alike.

Meanwhile, calls for the creation of a special security task force for the Middle Belt are gaining momentum.

The recent arrests in both Katsina and Benue offer hope that organized criminal networks can be dismantled.

Security agencies urge citizens to report suspicious activity and continue cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Efforts are still underway to track remaining members of both kidnapping groups and secure lasting peace.

Authorities remain committed to ensuring safety across Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.

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