Nuru Garwa, once a Special Adviser on Community Development to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, has been taken into custody on suspicion of collaborating with a kidnapping ring in the region. The news came to light via a social media post from Zagazola Makama, a well-known security analyst focused on the Lake Chad area.
According to Makama, Garwa—who had recently stepped down from his position to run for a seat in the State House of Assembly—was picked up on May 24 as part of an inquiry into the abduction of an eight-year-old child. The boy was snatched on May 13 while heading back from a Quranic school.
The abductors initially asked for N50 million in ransom, but after negotiations, the sum was cut to N17 million, which the family eventually paid. Following the payment, the family alerted the Violent Crime Response Unit in Katsina, prompting a covert investigation.
On May 23, six individuals believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate were apprehended. Their questioning led authorities to Garwa, who is alleged to be the mastermind. A search of his home uncovered N7.5 million in cash hidden inside a Ghana-Must-Go bag, which is thought to be part of the ransom proceeds. Police also seized a motorcycle suspected to have been used for gang operations and other evidence.
Garwa remains in custody as detectives work to unravel the full scope of his involvement and track down any remaining accomplices in the kidnapping network.