Security operatives have arrested a former Special Adviser on Community Development to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa, over alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
The arrest followed an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy in Katsina State.
A counter-insurgency and security expert focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared on his 𝕏 handle on Wednesday.
According to Makama, Garwa, who reportedly resigned from his government appointment to contest for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly, was apprehended by security operatives on May 24.
The security analyst revealed that the victim was kidnapped on May 13 while returning home from a Quranic school.
He explained that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million from the family before negotiations reduced the amount to ₦17 million, which was eventually paid.
Makama stated that the victim’s family later contacted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, prompting authorities to launch a discreet investigation into the incident.
According to him, the investigation first led to the arrest of six suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate on May 23 before security operatives traced the alleged mastermind.
“The arrest of the initial suspects provided further intelligence that led operatives to the alleged kingpin identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa,” Makama said.
He further disclosed that security operatives recovered a large sum of money and other items during a search of the suspect’s residence.
“Security operatives who searched the suspect’s residence reportedly recovered N7.5 million cash concealed inside a ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds,” he stated.
“Investigators also recovered a motorcycle allegedly used for operational activities by the gang, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.”
Makama added that the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
“The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of his alleged involvement and identify other possible accomplices linked to the kidnapping network,” he added.
