“Breaking: Security Forces Detain Ex-Governor’s Aide Over Alleged Kidnap Syndicate Ties

A counter-insurgency and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on his handle, stating that Garwa—who had resigned his appointment to contest for a seat in the State House of Assembly—was arrested on May 24 during an ongoing investigation into the abduction of an eight-year-old boy.

According to Makama, the child was kidnapped on May 13 while returning from a Quranic school. The abductors allegedly contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦50 million, which was later negotiated down to ₦17 million and paid.

He added that the victim’s family later reported the incident to the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina State, prompting a discreet investigation.

Preliminary findings reportedly led to the arrest of six suspected members of the kidnapping network on May 23, before Garwa was subsequently picked up.

Makama said the earlier arrests provided critical intelligence that pointed investigators to the alleged gang leader identified as Nuru Aliyu Garwa.

He further disclosed that during a search of the suspect’s residence, operatives reportedly recovered ₦7.5 million in cash hidden inside a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag, believed to be part of the ransom money.

Investigators also allegedly recovered a motorcycle said to have been used for operations, along with other items considered relevant to the case.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover the extent of his alleged involvement and identify other members of the kidnapping network.