The Katsina State Police Command says it has successfully arrested two suspected notorious drug dealers and recovered a large quantity of tramadol tablets worth ₦3,500,000.00.

The suspects, were arrested, and they both confessed to the commission of the offence as investigation is ongoing.

This is part of efforts to curb substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

One of the suspects, identified as Murtala Salisu, male, age 27, of Bare-bari village in Safana LGA, Katsina State, was traced and arrested by operatives of the Command on March 20th, 2025, at about 1600 hrs, based on credible intelligence.

He was arrested in possession of two thousand eighty-four (2,084) sachets of suspected tramadol tablets.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having gotten the illicit drugs from one Rabe (not real name) from Nasarawa State.

He further mentioned one Tanimu Abubakar of Jibia LGA, Katsina State, as his accomplice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Katsina Police Command spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, reaffirming the commitment of the command towards fighting substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and other drug-related offences while ensuring the safety and security of the good people of Katsina State.

He further urged members of the public to continue supporting the command with valuable and timely information to aid in the fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government, in partnership with the Genesis Energy Group, has begun implementing its landmark $500 million energy infrastructure investment following last month’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in London.

This pilot project is expected to reduce diesel generator dependence, lower operational costs, and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

In a statement signed on Friday by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, noted that, this partnership is regarded as one of the largest private sector-driven renewable energy investments in Northern Nigeria.

The initiative, which he believed aligns with Governor Dikko Radda’s vision to industrialize Katsina, enhance public service delivery and inclusive growth by addressing the state’s energy deficit, will equally deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions through the development, financing, construction, and operation of major infrastructure projects across the state.

“As implementation advances, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, and the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, accompanied Genesis Energy Group executives—led by Mrs. Melissa Sikwila, Executive Vice President of Project Development and Investment—on technical site inspections of critical power projects.

“The delegation visited two nearly-completed installations: a 1MW Solar Mini-Grid with a 1MWh Battery Energy Storage System at the Katsina State Government House, and a 250KW Solar System with a 300KWh Battery Energy Storage System at the Katsina State General Hospital.

“These pilot projects will reduce diesel generator dependence, lower operational costs, and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

“During a strategy session at Government House, Governor Radda met with the Genesis team to discuss the detailed project rollout roadmap.

“Discussions focused on accelerating energy developments serving both urban centers and rural communities.

“Initial priority areas include the Green Economic Zone for agro-industrial enterprises, water treatment plants statewide, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, 102 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital.

“Our goal is not just to deploy energy infrastructure, but to build lasting capacity and empower local communities through access to clean, resilient power,” said Mrs. Sikwila.

“Katsina State is setting the pace for what public-private partnerships in the energy sector should look like across Africa,” Mrs. Sikwila added.

Governor Radda, however, emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering investment and innovation, stating, “This partnership with Genesis Energy Group aligns with our strategic agenda to transform Katsina into a model for clean energy adoption and economic development. Reliable power is the foundation of industrialization, education, and healthcare, and we are proud to take this bold step forward.”

“The partnership is expected to attract additional private sector investment to Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, create jobs, support climate resilience, and promote inclusive development.

“Implementation of the first phase will commence immediately, with commissioning of the Government House and General Hospital systems scheduled in the coming weeks”, he stated.