A toy pistol allegedly turned a street chase into a robbery scare in Katsina. Police say a 19-year-old man has been arrested after reportedly pursuing a person while pointing the imitation firearm at him.
The incident happened in Kofar Sauri, Katsina, on August 22.
Police Responded Within an Hour
According to Katsina State Police Command spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, authorities received a report at about 7 p.m.
The suspect was allegedly seen chasing an unidentified person and pointing what appeared to be a pistol at him in an apparent attempt to rob him.
Police officers, working with members of a local vigilante group, responded to the report.
By about 8 p.m., officers had arrested the suspect in Kofar Sauri, police said.
A search reportedly uncovered a black toy pistol in his possession.
What Happens Next?
Police said the suspect is being held over allegations including impersonation and attempted robbery.
He remains in custody while investigators continue to examine the incident.
The police statement did not identify the person who was allegedly being chased.
Police Praise Community Vigilance
Katsina State Commissioner of Police Ali Umar-Fage commended residents and members of the local vigilante group for alerting authorities and assisting with the response.
He also urged residents to:
- Report suspicious activity quickly to the nearest police station.
- Stay alert to unusual or potentially criminal behavior in their communities.
- Continue cooperating with security agencies.
The commissioner stressed that sustained cooperation between residents, vigilante groups and security agencies is important to preventing and responding to crime across the state.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect have yet to be tested in court.
Source: NAN