Security Operatives Foil Bandit Attack, Recover Rustled Cattle And Sheep During Multiple Operations
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected bandit informants and alleged terrorism financiers accused of supporting criminal gangs operating across several parts of the state.
Police also recovered 97 stolen livestock, including cows and sheep, during separate security operations carried out in different local government areas.
The development was confirmed on Saturday in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.
According to the police, the suspects identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both from Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were arrested on May 15 during a joint operation involving officers from the Unguwar Rogo Division and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The command disclosed that the two men had remained under security surveillance for a long period following intelligence reports linking them to bandit groups terrorising communities within Rabah, Kware and Wurno local government areas.
Police alleged that the suspects were serving as informants and financial supporters for criminal gangs by allegedly supplying logistics and narcotic substances used by the bandits during operations.
According to the statement, intelligence gathered by security operatives indicated that the suspects were actively involved in providing materials and support to armed groups operating within the affected communities.
The police spokesperson explained that investigations into the activities of the suspects were still ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal support networks within the state.
In another operation, security personnel successfully foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village located within the Gawazzau District of Binji Local Government Area.
The command disclosed that heavily armed bandits invaded the village late on May 14, firing gunshots sporadically while stealing several domestic animals from residents.
Following distress calls from the community, the Divisional Police Officer reportedly mobilised tactical police teams alongside troops from a nearby Army Forward Operating Base to respond to the attack.
Police explained that security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the bandits to abandon 78 stolen cows before escaping into a nearby forest.
Authorities stated that the recovered cattle would be returned to their rightful owners while security surveillance continues within the area to prevent fresh attacks.
In a separate operation carried out around the More area during the early hours of Friday, police officers also recovered 19 stolen sheep after tracing footprints linked to the theft to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area.
Three suspects identified as Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim and Aisha Ibrahim were arrested in connection with the incident.
According to the police, one of the suspects, Rabiatu Ibrahim, allegedly confessed that two fleeing suspects identified as Auwalu and Juli brought the stolen animals to their residence before escaping.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining suspects while investigations continue into the case.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, reiterated the command’s determination to intensify the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of helping authorities prevent attacks and improve public safety.
