29th September, 2026 | News

Katsina Forest Guard Trainee Arrested Over Alleged Ammunition Supply to Bandits

A recently recruited Forest Guard trainee in Katsina State, Zahiruddin Abdullahi Karaduwa, has been arrested alongside a woman identified as Sahiba over allegations of supplying ammunition to suspected bandits operating around Matazu Local Government Area.

Zahiruddin, who identified himself in a video seen by SaharaReporters as the son of the Mai Garin Karaduwa, the traditional ruler of Karaduwa, allegedly admitted during questioning that he supplied ammunition to Sahiba, who then transported it to suspected bandits.

The allegations come amid continuing security concerns in Katsina State, where armed groups have been accused of carrying out attacks and other criminal activities in rural communities.

Forest Guard Trainee Admits Alleged Ammunition Transfers

During the questioning, Zahiruddin confirmed his identity and said his father, Abdullahi, is the traditional ruler of Karaduwa.

When asked whether he had been forced or coerced into making his statements, he denied being subjected to pressure.

The questioning subsequently focused on his alleged relationship with Sahiba and their reported involvement in the movement of ammunition.

Zahiruddin confirmed that he knew Sahiba and, when confronted with allegations that they were involved in supplying ammunition to forest-based armed groups, he responded affirmatively.

Suspect Claims He Supplied Ammunition Six Times

According to the account presented during the questioning, Zahiruddin allegedly supplied ammunition to Sahiba on multiple occasions.

When asked how many times he had handed over ammunition to her, he reportedly answered six times.

He also claimed that he obtained the ammunition from Kano, identifying a person known as Muhammad as the individual from whom he collected it.

The questioning also sought information about the person who allegedly received the ammunition after it was transported from Kano.

Zahiruddin identified the recipient by the name “Mai Nono.”

Suspect Describes Alleged Payments

Zahiruddin was also questioned about payments allegedly made for his role in the movement of the ammunition.

He reportedly explained that the payment arrangements were handled through the person from whom he collected the ammunition.

According to his account, his role involved collecting items he had been instructed to pick up and delivering them to another designated individual.

He claimed that the amount he received varied, stating that he was sometimes paid ₦30,000 and at other times ₦20,000, depending on the circumstances.

Katsina Faces Continuing Security Challenges

The arrests come amid persistent security concerns across Katsina State, particularly in rural communities affected by attacks, kidnapping and other criminal activities attributed to armed groups.

Authorities have continued efforts to improve security in affected communities and disrupt networks suspected of supporting armed groups.

The allegations against Zahiruddin and Sahiba remain subject to investigation, and the claims made during questioning would need to be tested through the appropriate legal process.