Security Operatives Arrest Former Governor’s Aide Over Link With Kidnapping Syndicate

Security operatives have arrested a former Special Adviser on Community Development to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, Nuru Garwa, over alleged links to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

Naija News reports that a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, made this known in a post via 𝕏 handle, stating that Nuru, who resigned from his appointment to contest for a seat in the State House of Assembly, was arrested on May 24 following an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy.

Makama said that the victim was abducted on May 13 while returning home from a Quranic school, and the kidnappers reportedly contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million before the negotiations were reduced to ₦17 million, which was eventually paid.

According to him, the victim’s family later contacted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, which commenced a discreet investigation into the incident.

He added that preliminary investigation reportedly led to the arrest of six suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate on May 23, before the arrest of Nuru.

He said, “The arrest of the initial suspects provided further intelligence that led operatives to the alleged kingpin identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa.

“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.

“Investigators also recovered a motorcycle allegedly used for operational activities by the gang, alongside other items considered relevant to the investigation.

“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.”