Security forces have taken the village head of Sukutum in Kankiya Local Government Area, Katsina State, into custody for allegedly assisting armed bandits.

The name of the suspect has not yet been made public, but he was arrested after intelligence reports suggested he had links with criminal gangs in the area, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.

Authorities say the village leader is accused of giving bandits information about the movements of security personnel and vulnerable villages, which helped them plan attacks.

Reports also indicate that he regularly visited bandit hideouts to stay in touch and coordinate with them.

The suspect is currently being held for further questioning while investigators try to uncover the full extent of his involvement and identify other possible accomplices.