50-Year-Old Katsina Man Arrested for Aiding Bandits with Fuel, Food Supplies

Authorities in Katsina State have arrested a 50-year-old man identified as Birish for allegedly acting as a logistics supplier and informant for armed bandit groups responsible for terrorizing rural communities across the state.

The arrest was made by the Katsina Community Watch Corps following intelligence reports that the suspect had been facilitating attacks by supplying food, fuel, and essentials to criminal gangs operating in the region.

In an interrogation video posted on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect, Birish, who hails from Gozo, Zango Local Government Area, admitted to purchasing and delivering supplies such as petrol, bread, rice, sachet water, and beverages on behalf of the bandits.

“My name is Birish. I’m from Gozo, Zango LGA. I’m 50 years old and of Hausa ethnicity,” the suspect stated in the video.
“I have bought fuel and taken it to them. They always send a woman to collect it. I don’t know her name,” he said.

Birish claimed that after buying the goods, intermediaries collected them near Alhaji Bello’s house and delivered them to the militants. He denied any direct communication with the armed groups during the transactions.

While the suspect admitted to supporting the criminal group, he denied knowledge of a recent deadly attack in the area. Responding to questions about an incident involving a robbery victim, Birish said:

“Those who came to attack the man were up to five, but I don’t know how much they collected from him… I was not given any money.”

Authorities believe that logistical supporters like Birish play a crucial role in sustaining bandit operations, making their arrest and interrogation a significant step in disrupting criminal networks.