The Katsina State Police Command says it has rescued 17 kidnap victims and arrested 225 suspects for various offences in May.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday in Katsina.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the arrests resulted from intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained patrols aimed at combating kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, arms trafficking, and other crimes.

He explained that the suspects included seven kidnappers, 10 armed robbers, one armed bandit, two informants, and 21 persons arrested for drug-related offences.

“About 10 suspects were also arrested in connection with murder and culpable homicide cases, 36 persons for rape and sodomy, and 13 social miscreants, among others,” he said.

According to the police spokesman, 150 major cases were reported during the period under review, out of which 109 have been charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.

He said the command had successfully rescued 17 kidnap victims, subjected them to medical examinations, and reunited them with their families.

Sadiq-Aliyu further said the command recovered 20 laptops, two mobile phones, a master key, and a scanner from suspected criminals.

“About 466 suspected rustled animals, three motor vehicles, 22 motorcycles, and four bags of vandalised span wire were also recovered.

“All recovered exhibits are in police custody and will be tendered in court as evidence,” he added.

While assuring residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime, Aliyu appreciated the support of the Katsina State Government and the Inspector-General of Police.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies, warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law. (NAN)