Isiyaku Nasiru, a resident of Matazu Local Government Area in Katsina State, was taken into custody by the Katsina State Security Watch Corps alongside three others: Abubakar Sayaya, Nura Baka Sati, and Ubale Mai Cange. According to the council chairman, Shamsuddeen Muhammad Sayaya, the suspects were linked to the network of the notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu, and are being investigated.
Nasiru, who operates a Point of Sale business and a motorcycle spare parts dealership, was allegedly used as part of a financial chain to move money linked to Muhammadu to people involved in procuring weapons and other supplies. The Matazu area has experienced a cycle of violence, resulting in killings, abductions, displacement, and economic devastation, with over 15 communities deserted or severely affected.
The abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, in May 2026, brought the severity of the insecurity in Matazu into sharp national focus. General Abubakar and his wife were travelling through the Matazu axis when suspected bandits intercepted their vehicle, and he later died in captivity. His wife was subsequently rescued.
Nasiru, originally from Mashi Local Government Area, had come to Matazu to pursue Islamic education before settling in the area and setting up his businesses. According to a resident, Babangida Musa, Nasiru had left the Islamic school years before the death of his teacher and ventured into business. An interrogation account seen by Daily Trust revealed that Nasiru allegedly received cash from Muhammadu through a person identified as Salmanu.
The investigation revealed that Salmanu delivered an average of N3 to N5 million cash to Nasiru daily, which he used to run PoS transactions by giving out cash to local traders and residents who made transfers to his account. Nasiru would then take his commission and transfer the remaining funds to a bank account belonging to Musa Sani, who allegedly used the money to buy guns, ammunition, and motorcycles for Muhammadu.
Other suspects identified in connection with the investigation include Abubakar, who allegedly confessed to collecting ammunition from Ubale, and Sati, who allegedly collected cattle from the bandit leader and performed other errands. Residents expressed shock over the arrests, as some of the suspects were known to them as businessmen and community members who were not publicly associated with criminal activities.
The arrest of Nasiru and others has raised concerns about the extent of their involvement and whether other people were behind the alleged arrangement. Residents are calling for a thorough investigation to trace the alleged flow of money, establish the identities of those who received or transferred the funds, and determine whether other people were involved.
Key points
- The suspects were linked to the network of the notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu.
- The Matazu area has experienced a cycle of violence, resulting in killings, abductions, displacement, and economic devastation.
- The investigation revealed a possible chain involving several individuals between the source of ammunition and the people allegedly collecting and transporting it.
