Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Nura Aliyu Garwa, who is currently under police investigation over alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate, had earlier been suspended from office before seeking election into the Katsina State House of Assembly.

Garwa is among the suspects recently paraded by the Katsina State Police Command over the alleged abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis, a case that has sparked widespread concern across the state.

The government’s position was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, who clarified that Garwa had already been removed from office over misconduct before his political ambition to contest for a legislative seat in Batsari Local Government Area.

According to the statement, Garwa was suspended for his alleged involvement in the diversion of empowerment materials meant for distribution to communities under the state’s Community Development Programme.

The commissioner explained that the suspension was part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public service.

“The suspected mastermind of the kidnapping syndicate, Nura Aliyu Garwa, had earlier been suspended as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development before his intention to contest for the position of member of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Batsari Local Government,” the statement said.

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It added that his suspension followed allegations bordering on the diversion of items meant to empower vulnerable communities in Batsari.

Governor Radda described the allegations linking Garwa to criminal activity as disturbing, especially given his previous role in government and his political aspirations.

The governor condemned the activities of the suspected syndicate and commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift action in dismantling the criminal network.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to help combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

The development follows the recent parade of suspected kidnappers by the Katsina State Police Command, during which security operatives announced the arrest of members of a syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of the eight-year-old victim in Katsina metropolis.

Police authorities identified Garwa as one of the principal suspects and alleged that investigations had uncovered his connection to the criminal operation.

The arrest has generated intense public reaction due to Garwa’s previous status as a government aide and his attempt to secure elective office.

Security agencies say investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and determine whether additional arrests will be made.

The case comes amid intensified efforts by the Katsina State Government and federal security agencies to curb kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes that have continued to challenge security in parts of the state and the wider North-West region.

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina