From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Operations conducted by the Sokoto State Police Command have led to the neutralization of two armed bandits, the arrest of nine criminal suspects, and the recovery of multiple firearms alongside 17 stolen motorcycles across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed the operational updates in Sokoto on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa. Repelled Attack in Illela LGA.
It added that security personnel responded to a distress call reporting an advancing group of armed bandits heading from Tsauana Forest toward Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.
“Tactical teams including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit confronted the group in a gun battle.
“Operatives neutralized two bandits and forced others to flee with gunshot injuries.
“Two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 54 rounds of live ammunition were recovered at the scene.
“No casualties were sustained by security forces or local residents,” the statement noted.
The Command executed several targeted operations addressing urban crime, kidnapping, and motorcycle theft: Kwannawa & Tamaje Raids:
It added that on the same day, a raid on criminal hideouts in Sokoto metropolis resulted in the arrest of three suspects—Siba Abdullahi, Hassan Hassan, and Usama Isah.
It further disclosed that officers recovered five stolen motorcycles and a fabricated pistol.
According to the Police, following reports from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Anguwar Rogo, and Tamaje regarding extortion and theft, the Strike Force arrested two primary suspects, Hamza Abubakar and Yasir Muhammed.
Further investigation exposed a network involved in forging documents, buying, and reselling stolen vehicles.
Six additional accomplices and buyers were apprehended, bringing the total number of recovered motorcycles from this ring to twelve.
“On August 8, operatives arrested Abdullahi Buba (alias “Osho”) in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa LGA.
“Buba confessed to participating in kidnappings and imposing illegal levies on communities across Gwadabawa, Kware, and Gada LGAs.
“Surveillance detectives in Gidan Madi intercepted two suspects transporting a concealed sack on a motorcycle.
“ The suspects fled the scene, leaving behind a sedated 10-year-old kidnap victim, Muhammad Sufiyanu.
“The boy was treated at Gidan Madi General Hospital and discharged. One suspect connected to the abduction has since been taken into custody,” it stated.
CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa commended the tactical units for their operational execution and reiterated the Command’s strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The Commissioner warned against purchasing stolen property, noting that buyers will face prosecution alongside thieves.
He further urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies and advised parents to ensure their wards refrain from unlawful acts.
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