Ex-Katsina Governor’s Aide Linked to Alleged Kidnapping Syndicate

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Nura Aliyu Garwa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, is being linked to an alleged kidnapping syndicate operating within Katsina metropolis.

Garwa, who hails from Batsari Local Government Area of the state, was identified by police investigators as the suspected mastermind behind the abduction of an eight-year-old boy kidnapped on May 13, 2026, while returning from an Islamic school in the Sardauna Housing Estate area of Katsina.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Salisu Zango.

According to the statement, security operatives arrested members of the seven-man syndicate during investigations into the incident and recovered ₦7.5 million believed to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family.

Authorities also recovered a Peugeot 307 vehicle and a Boxer motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects during the operation.

Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million as ransom before negotiations led to the payment of ₦17 million for the release of the child.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command said one suspect identified simply as Abdul remains at large, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices linked to the syndicate.

The police added that investigations into the matter are continuing.