Victoria Ikene
Two men have been arrested by the Katsina Community Watch Corps, popularly known as C-Watch, over alleged involvement in supplying ammunition and running errands for a suspected notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Maha, in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar from Jaya and Ubale Change from Matazu, were reportedly apprehended by security operatives amid continuing efforts to disrupt the supply networks sustaining armed banditry in the state.
According to accounts contained in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the suspects allegedly admitted during interrogation to involvement in the movement and transfer of ammunition.
Abubakar reportedly told his interrogators that he had been accused of terrorism and identified Ubale Change as one of those involved in the alleged operation.
He said he was instructed by a man identified as Lawal, also known as Yahaya, to collect ammunition from Ubale.
Abubakar reportedly disclosed that he collected ammunition from Ubale on two occasions at Ubale’s residence before taking it to another location.
“I collected it at his house,” he was quoted as saying when asked where he obtained the ammunition.
He further explained that after collecting the ammunition, he left the area and later proceeded to a location behind a police station.
When Ubale was subsequently questioned about the allegation, he reportedly confirmed Abubakar’s account and admitted that he had handed ammunition to him twice.
Ubale, however, allegedly said he was not the original supplier.
According to him, a man identified as Mustapha, who he said was from Karefa and worked as a pump operator, supplied him with the ammunition.
Ubale reportedly said he collected the ammunition from Mustapha twice before handing it over to Abubakar.
Asked whether he considered his involvement right, Ubale reportedly admitted that his actions were wrong.
“Honestly, there is nothing good about what I have done,” he was quoted as saying.
He also allegedly acknowledged benefiting from the activity.
Ubale further claimed that other people were involved in, or preparing to participate in, similar activities.
“Yes. There are others who are coming, others who are planning to come, and others who are getting involved,” he reportedly said.
The arrests come against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in Katsina State, particularly in areas affected by attacks, kidnapping and other criminal activities attributed to armed bandit groups.
The alleged involvement of intermediaries in moving ammunition underscores the broader security challenge of disrupting the logistics and supply networks that support armed criminal groups.
However, the allegations against the suspects remain subject to further investigation and due process. Their reported statements during interrogation have not, by themselves, established guilt in a court of law.
Security authorities are expected to investigate the alleged links between the suspects, the identified suppliers and the suspected bandit network, while determining whether additional arrests or charges will follow.
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