50-Year-Old Man Arrested in Katsina for Supplying Fuel and Food to Armed Bandits (video)

A 50-year-old man identified as Birish has been arrested by the Katsina Community Watch Corps for allegedly acting as an informant and logistics supplier to armed bandits terrorizing communities in Katsina State. The suspect, who hails from Gozo in Zango Local Government Area, was apprehended following intelligence reports linking him to the provision of essential supplies—including food and fuel—to criminal groups operating in the region.

During his interrogation, which was captured on video and shared on social media, Birish admitted to procuring and delivering items for the bandits, though he denied direct interaction with them. He claimed that an unnamed woman acted as the intermediary between him and the armed group.

“My name is Birish, and I am from Gozo, Zango Local Government Area. I'm 50 years old, and I'm Hausa by tribe,” he said. “I have bought fuel and taken it to them. They always send a woman to come and take it and deliver it to them, and I don’t know her name.”

Birish went on to detail the types of supplies he purchased on behalf of the bandits, listing sachet water, bread, rice, beverages, and fuel as common requests. According to him, the exchange point was typically near the house of a man known as Alhaji Bello, where the bandits would send agents to retrieve the items.

When questioned about his involvement in a recent attack on a local resident, Birish denied direct participation or financial gain. “Those who came to attack the man were up to five, but I don’t know how much they collected from him. He stole some items and was apprehended, and a judgment was passed on him. I was not given any money,” he stated.

The arrest of Birish underscores ongoing efforts by local security forces to dismantle the support networks that enable bandit operations across Katsina State. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of his involvement or whether further arrests are expected as investigations continue.