Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Katsina, Nigeria — Police in Katsina State have arrested a 58‑year‑old school principal, Bashir Musa, in connection with the theft of school equipment, including computer monitors and solar panels, authorities confirmed on Monday. The arrest follows an investigation into a reported break‑in at a secondary school laboratory earlier this month that led to the recovery of multiple items believed to have been stolen from the campus.
The Katsina State Police Command said the case was transferred to the command’s Anti‑Kidnapping Unit for further investigation after components and appliances went missing from Government Secondary School, Shargalle, in Dutsi Local Government Area. The theft was initially reported to the Dutsi Divisional Police on January 19, 2026, at around 6:00 a.m., when unknown persons allegedly broke into the school premises and removed solar lighting equipment and other laboratory materials.
Police investigations soon traced the allegedly stolen property to the residence of the school’s principal, identified as Bashir Musa, who resides in Shadambu Low Cost area of Daura. Officers executed a search at his home, recovering four solar panels, five desktop computers, three central processing units (CPUs), one solar battery, one printer, and two hair clippers — all items that investigators said belong to the school.
The Katsina State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed that Musa was taken into custody for questioning following the discovery of the exhibits. Police said the principal reportedly confessed to involvement in the theft during the interrogation.
In addition to Musa’s arrest, the former vice principal of the school, 48‑year‑old Abubakar Aliyu, was also detained in connection with the investigation. Authorities noted that efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen items and identify any other persons who may have aided in the theft.
The break‑in prompted immediate police response when the initial report was made, with investigators deploying detectives to the scene of the incident and beginning forensic inquiry into the burglary. A handsaw believed to have been used in the break‑in was reportedly recovered near the school premises.
The police have not yet stated formally whether the suspects will be charged, but law enforcement officials indicated that following the ongoing investigation, appropriate charges, including burglary, criminal conspiracy and theft, could be filed depending on the evidence gathered.
The arrest has drawn attention in educational and community circles within Katsina State, where concerns about the security of school facilities and public property have been rising. Analysts and educators say that theft of instructional equipment, particularly high‑value items such as solar panels and computers, undermines learning environments and community investment in education.
Local government leaders and parents have criticised the incident, saying that schools already operate with limited resources and that the loss of critical equipment exacerbates challenges faced by students and teachers. They urged authorities to ensure thorough prosecution of the case and to protect educational infrastructure across the state.
The Katsina State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public property and investigating crimes swiftly. DSP Aliyu called for continued cooperation from members of the public, emphasising that timely information can enhance police response and help recover stolen property.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on any additional arrests or charges stemming from the incident. Community members and stakeholders in the education sector are watching closely, noting that such cases highlight the broader need for strengthened protection of school facilities and assets in the region.
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