Katsina, May 26, 2026 — The Katsina State Government has announced the suspension of a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Nura Aliyu-Garwa, over alleged links to a kidnapping network operating in the state.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango.
According to the statement, Aliyu-Garwa had already been removed from office prior to declaring his intention to contest for a seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Batsari Constituency.
The government alleged that the former aide is among individuals being investigated in connection with the abduction of an eight-year-old boy from Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis.
Authorities also recalled that Aliyu-Garwa had previously faced suspension over allegations involving the diversion of empowerment materials meant for residents of Batsari Local Government Area under the state’s Community Development Programme.
The statement further noted that the Katsina State Police Command had earlier presented several suspects believed to be associated with the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the child’s abduction.
Governor Dikko Radda described the incident as disturbing, particularly because of the suspect’s previous role in public service.
He praised the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in combating insecurity and criminal activities across the state.
The governor also appealed to residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could assist ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts.