From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced two major operational successes: the arrest of a suspected drug baron with a large consignment of hard drugs, and the foiling of a coordinated bandit attack, with recovery of rustled livestock and arrest of a suspect.
This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Command, FFO Ahmad Rufa’i, issued in Tuesday in Sokoto.
It said, “On May 27, 2026, at about 7:00 PM, Police patrol team attached to Bado Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road, intercepted two men riding an unregistered Daylong motorcycle.
“ The suspects, who exhibited suspicious behaviour, were identified as Ummaru Abubakar Gugare, ‘M’, and one Ummaru (surname unknown), ‘M’, (now at large). Both hail from Bagarawa, Bodinga Local Government Area.
“Upon searching the suspects, the patrol team discovered a heavy sack containing a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian Hemp, as well as ten (10) rubber containers packed with Axzol Tab, Benthexol Tablets B.P 5mg, and a large quantity of D5 Tablets all classified as controlled hard drugs.
“Ummaru Abubakar Gugare was promptly arrested, while the second suspect, identified only as Ummaru, escaped. All exhibits have been taken into custody, and a manhunt is underway.
“ Similarly, On May 30th, 2026, at about 3:00 AM, a distress call was received that armed bandits in large numbers had invaded Zabori Village, Tambaranga Village, and Gidan Yero Village – all in Wamakko Local Government Area, bordering Tangaza LGA.
“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit was immediately mobilized, strategically blocking the bandits’ exit route at Abdalo Forest in Gwadabawa LGA and engaging them in a fierce gun duel.”
According to the statement,due to the superior firepower of the police team, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into a nearby forest, many with bullet wounds.
It continued,”One suspect, Musa Usman, ‘M’, of Damba Village, Illela Local Government Area, was arrested. Recovered from the suspects include eleven (11) cows and five (5) sheep, all taken into police custody for identification and return to rightful owners.
“Efforts are on top gear to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits. Both cases are under investigation.
“Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command,Cp Hayatu Hassan, Shaffa,while commending the vigilance of the Bado Division patrol team and the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of illicit substances and drug trafficking networks, as well as banditry and cattle rustling.”
He further stated: “These successes are significant blows to criminal cartels operating in our state whether drug barons or armed bandits.
“However, the fight against drug abuse, trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling requires collective effort. I call on the good people of the Caliphate to continue supporting the Police with credible, timely, and actionable intelligence.
“Citizens are urged to report any information on the fleeing suspect from the drug operation, or any person(s) with fresh bullet wounds or suspicious livestock transactions.
“Together, we will dismantle every criminal network threatening our peace and security.”
The statement, however, urged the public to remain vigilant and to contact the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines with any useful information.
It said,”All informants will be treated with strict confidentiality.”
