Katsina State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected drug dealer and dismantled a four-man armed robbery syndicate operating in Funtua and surrounding communities.

Police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said in a statement on Tuesday that the operations led to the recovery of drugs, weapons, stolen items and cash.

He said operatives arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Aliyu Umar, popularly known as “Makami,” during a raid in the Jabiri area of Funtua Local Government Area on May 28.

According to him, the arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to drug trafficking activities in the area.

Exhibits recovered from him included 38 Exol tablets, 28 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, and a knife.

“The suspect is believed to be a key member of a drug peddling syndicate operating in the area. Investigation is ongoing,” he said.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Makera Police Division arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery gang linked to phone snatching, motorcycle theft, shop breaking and other crimes.

The suspects, Salim Umar (24), Yusuf Mustapha (23), and Gaddafi Idris (27) were arrested on May 21 following intelligence reports.

Police said a search of the suspects led to the recovery of weapons including knives, machetes, scissors, an iron pinch bar, and other items such as mobile phones, SIM cards, charms, and cash.

The command added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their operations and possible links to other crimes in the area.

Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed reports that an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Maibarga, who was abducted by bandits in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, has died in captivity.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bashir Usman, said the command was aware of reports indicating that the cleric had died while in the custody of his abductors.

“We are aware of reports concerning the victim’s deteriorating condition and possible death in captivity,” he said.

Usman added that efforts were ongoing to verify the development and secure the rescue of other kidnapped victims in Koko-Besse and Wasagu local government areas.

The kidnapping was not publicly announced when it occurred but was later confirmed by the police following enquiries from journalists.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that Maibarga was abducted alongside a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Koko-Besse Local Government Area.

A video that surfaced online showed the two elderly men appealing for help from captivity and describing their deteriorating health conditions.

In the footage, the former APC chairman said both men were ill and had been forced to trek long distances through forests despite their age and medical conditions.

The video generated widespread concern among residents and on social media, with the captives appealing to their families, community leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

According to reports, Maibarga later succumbed to his illness while in captivity.

Residents of his community have since observed Salatul Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late cleric, as his body has not been recovered.

The Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he reportedly attempted to take his own life by jumping into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on June 8, 2026, when officers of the Marine Police received information that a young man had plunged into the lagoon from the bridge.

Acting swiftly on the report, marine police operatives mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the victim alive with the assistance of local fishermen operating in the area.

Following his rescue, Babalola identified himself as a painter residing in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State. He reportedly told authorities that he had travelled from Ibadan earlier that day without informing anyone of his whereabouts.

According to him, he decided to jump into the lagoon after becoming overwhelmed by financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. He also disclosed that his mobile phone was lost in the water during the incident.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the victim had been stabilised and was currently under police care while efforts were ongoing to locate and contact his family members.

“He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area. He is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon,” Adebisi stated.

The police spokesperson used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of public collaboration in crime prevention and emergency response efforts.

“Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public. Prompt and credible information from residents is crucial in preventing and combating incidents.

“We urge community leaders, boat operators, fishermen and other stakeholders in the riverine areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police formation or the marine police unit,” he added.

The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State while encouraging residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies.