Katsina Police Detain Female Shoplifter, Recover Stolen Goods Worth N10 Million

The Katsina State Police Command has detained a 27-year-old woman, Hadiza Ibrahim, on the suspicion of being the mastermind behind a series of shoplifting incidents throughout the Katsina metropolis. The police successfully recovered merchandise valued at more than ₦10 million.

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the arrest was initiated after the Chief Security Officer of Green House, Katsina, submitted an official report on March 4, 2026, citing several theft incidents occurring within the marketplace.

The police disclosed that investigations revealed the suspect was captured on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at Green House, conspicuously stealing items from a shop. Following this footage, police operatives monitored her movements closely, resulting in her subsequent arrest.

Further searches conducted at her home yielded a significant haul of stolen goods including 274 pairs of shoes, 37 veils, 67 sets of sportswear, 54 children's clothing items, 123 caps, and 315 pairs of socks.

Additional findings included 45 women's wrappers, nine handbags, three cartons of spaghetti, 24 bottles of perfume, five cartons of soap, a variety of fashion jewelry, and a bag containing various cooking seasonings and spices. In total, the retrieved items were valued at ₦10,102,000, which have since been claimed by their rightful owners, as more victims, primarily shopkeepers, have emerged during the investigation.

Reports suggest that the suspect possesses a documented history of theft across several locations within the state. During police interrogation, she reportedly confessed to committing the crimes.

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect has been charged with her offenses and will face prosecution. The Commissioner of Police in Katsina expressed commendation for the policemen involved in the arrest and advised business owners to enhance their security measures and remain vigilant to protect their premises.