From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against banditry, motorcycle theft and other criminal activities across the state.
The command said two suspected bandits were neutralised, while eight suspects were arrested in separate operations. Several weapons, ammunition and stolen motorcycles were also recovered.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, the first operation took place at about 9 p.m. on August 15, 2026, following a distress call that armed bandits were moving from Tsauana Forest towards Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical teams, were immediately deployed to the area.
The security operatives engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
DSP Rufa’i said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, with breach numbers 6108 and 6327, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition.
He added that two suspected bandits were neutralised during the operation.
The police spokesperson said no security operative or civilian was injured in the encounter, adding that confidence-building patrols were continuing in the area.
He said neighbouring police divisions had also been placed on high alert to apprehend any injured suspects who might seek medical treatment.
Three arrested over motorcycle theft
In a separate operation conducted at about 3 p.m. on the same day, police operatives, acting on intelligence, raided suspected criminal hideouts in the Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Siba Abdullahi of Dimbiso Village in Wurno Local Government Area; Hassan Hassan of Tamaje; and Usama Isah of Ungwar Rogo.
The police said five suspected stolen motorcycles and a locally fabricated pistol without a breach number were recovered.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the alleged motorcycle theft syndicate.
Police arrest suspects over stolen motorcycles
The command also reported the arrest of several suspects allegedly linked to criminal conspiracy, trespass, theft, forgery and receiving stolen property.
DSP Rufa’i said the arrests followed reports received from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Unguwar Rogo and Tamaje.
On August 14, the Strike Force team arrested Hamza Abubakar of Mabera and Yasir Muhammed of Mana.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly worked with others to steal motorcycles, which were subsequently sold to Zaharadeen Muhammed of Mana.
Further investigations, the command said, revealed alleged involvement by Mustapha Abdulwasiu and Zayyanu Muhammed in the forgery of documents relating to the stolen motorcycles.
Kabiru Sani Shehu Aminu, also known as Dan Galadima, Aliyu Shehu and Abdullahi Kasimu were also identified by the police as suspects allegedly involved in facilitating the sale of the motorcycles.
The command said some alleged buyers, including Abubakar Aliyu, Abdullahi Bashar and Zakariya Ibrahim, had also been arrested.
A total of nine stolen motorcycles have so far been recovered in connection with the investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who are still at large.
Police commissioner warns criminals
The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended personnel of the Strike Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU for what he described as their professionalism and courage.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling banditry, motorcycle theft and other forms of criminality in the state.
CP Shaffa warned that the police would continue to pursue suspected criminals and ensure that those arrested face prosecution in accordance with the law.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The commissioner also warned members of the public against purchasing stolen motorcycles, stressing that buyers of stolen property could also face legal consequences.
He further appealed to parents and guardians to discourage young people from engaging in criminal activities.
CP Shaffa assured residents that the Sokoto State Police Command would sustain its operations until fleeing suspects were arrested and brought before the courts.
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