19-Year-Old Arrested in Katsina Over Alleged Robbery Attempt With Toy Pistol

Police in Katsina State have arrested a 19-year-old man, identified as Aliyu Sani, over an alleged robbery attempt involving a toy pistol in the Kofar Sauri area of Katsina metropolis.

The suspect was arrested on August 22, 2026, after concerned residents alerted the police to a suspected attack, according to the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.

Police said they received the report at about 7pm that a young man was allegedly chasing another person while pointing what appeared to be a firearm at him. The suspect was reportedly attempting to rob the unidentified victim.

Operatives, working alongside members of a local vigilante group, moved to the area and arrested Sani around 8pm in Kofar Sauri.

A search conducted after his arrest allegedly led to the recovery of a black toy pistol. Police said Sani was unable to give a satisfactory explanation during preliminary questioning about how he came into possession of the item.

The command said the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar, praised residents and members of the vigilante group for responding quickly and supporting the police. He urged communities across the state to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly.

The police said such cooperation between residents, vigilantes and security personnel remains important in preventing robbery and other criminal activities across Katsina State.