I have lost count of the number of people we have killed – Arrested kidnap kingpin says

The police in Katsina state have arrested a 50-year-old suspected kidnap kingpin, Surajo Mamman alias Kutika, who has confessed to belonging to a kidnapping syndicate with over 200 members with 150 AK-47 rifles.

Mamman, who claimed he had lost count of the number of innocent farmers and business tycoons he killed and kidnapped for ransom in Danmusa, Safana, Dutsin-ma and Batsari Local Government Areas of the state, said he was into kidnapping to ”earn a living.”

Speaking to newsmen, Mamman said

“I belong to a kidnapping gang under the leadership of Sani Muhidinge. We have over 200 members with at least 150 AK-47 rifles. I have lost count of the number of people we have kidnapped and killed but I am seeking Allah’s forgiveness.”

Parading the suspect alongside other suspected kidnappers, bandits, and their informants, the spokesperson of the state police command, Gambo Isah, explained that efforts were on to nab Mamman’s accomplices, including the gang commander (Muhidinge).

“On the September 16, 2021 at about 1300hrs, the Command succeeded in arresting one Surajo Mamman alias ‘KUTIKA’, ‘m’, aged 50yrs of Tulun Busawa village, a notorious kidnapper terrorizing the state.

In the course of investigation, suspect confessed to be under the command of one Sani Muhidinge, a notorious, recalcitrant and unrepentant bandit leader hibernating in Rugu forest.”Isah said