Man Arrested In Katsina With Firearm, Fake Police ID

The Katsina State Police Command has taken into custody a 38-year-old man, Mubarak Bello, for illegally possessing a firearm and falsely presenting himself as a police officer holding the rank of ‘AD Asst’.

The suspect, a resident of Kofar Yamma Quarters in Kurfi Local Government Area, was apprehended by police operatives during a routine patrol at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Abubakar Aliyu, the Katsina Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement issued on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu.

According to Aliyu, Bello was arrested after operatives observed suspicious behavior during their patrol.

“On September 13, 2025, at about 0230hrs, while on routine patrol, officers attached to the command’s department of operations successfully arrested one Mubarak Bello, m, age 38, of Kofar Yamma quarters, Kurfi LGA, Katsina State, in connection with illegal possession of a firearm and impersonation.”

He explained that Bello was stopped while driving an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number Lagos GGE 473 BH but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for himself or the vehicle.

“The team, acting on heightened vigilance and proactive policing strategies, intercepted a Toyota Corolla, ash colour, with registration No. Lagos GGE 473 BH, driven by the suspect.

“Upon questioning, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory account of himself or the vehicle, prompting an immediate search,” he said.

The PPRO added that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of dangerous items.

“During the search of the vehicle, the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspect: one locally fabricated rifle, four live cartridges, two expended shells of cartridges, a fake police ID card, and an extra plate number (Kano FGE 68).”

He stated that the suspect remains under interrogation, and additional findings will be released to the public in due course.

“The suspect is in custody as investigations are being intensified to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm, fake ID, and other exhibits,” Aliyu concluded.