Police authorities in Katsina State have arrested a former Special Adviser to the state governor, Nura Aliyu, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of an eight-year-old schoolboy.The incident reportedly happened on May 13, 2026, when the child was abducted while returning from an Islamic school in Katsina metropolis.According to security reports, the kidnappers later contacted the victim’s family and initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million.After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced, and the family eventually paid about ₦17 million.

The Katsina State Police Command, through its newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, said it successfully tracked and arrested six suspects connected to the kidnapping syndicate.Nura Aliyu, who once served as a Special Adviser in the state government, was identified as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.During the investigation and subsequent operation, security operatives reportedly recovered part of the ransom money, including about ₦7.5 million.Authorities also recovered a Peugeot 307 vehicle and a Boxer motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects in carrying out the crime.

The arrest has raised fresh concerns in Nigeria, especially about the possibility of insider collaboration in criminal activities and infiltration of public institutions by criminal networks.

The development also comes amid ongoing insecurity challenges in northern Nigeria, where cases of banditry and kidnappings for ransom have remained persistent.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda had earlier expressed concerns that sensitive security information from high-level meetings was being leaked to criminal elements, describing the presence of “moles” within both communities and security structures.The case has further intensified public debate on insecurity and trust in governance and security agencies in the region.