The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina State Command, has arrested a 37-year-old woman over an alleged case of child assault and battery in Mashi Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed an intelligence report on a suspected child abuse incident, which prompted the State Commandant, CC A.D. Moriki, to order a thorough investigation into the matter. Acting on the directive, NSCDC operatives apprehended the suspect on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in Mashi town.
The suspect, Hauwa’u Gwaska, a resident of Unguwar Gabas in Mashi, is reportedly the guardian of the victim and a sister to the child’s father. She was accused of repeatedly assaulting the girl child, identified as Azima Abubakar, resulting in injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect admitted to the offence, stating that she acted out of anger while disciplining the child. She has since been taken into custody, while investigations continue in line with due process. The NSCDC assured that appropriate legal action would be taken upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command advised parents and guardians to exercise restraint and caution when correcting children, stressing that disciplinary measures must never endanger a child’s safety or wellbeing.
Commandant Moriki commended members of the public for their cooperation and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible intelligence to support the NSCDC in maintaining security and protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.