The Sokoto Police has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its operations against banditry and related crimes across Rabah, Kware, Wurno, and Binji Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The Command disclosed that operatives arrested two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers who had reportedly been on its intelligence watchlist for an extended period.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended on May 15, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. during a joint operation carried out by the Divisional Police Officer of Unguwar Rogo Division and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The suspects, identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both residents of Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were intercepted while riding an unregistered Honda motorcycle.
Police said the suspects were found with two bags containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, allegedly intended for supply to bandits operating in Rabah, Kware, and Wurno Local Government Areas. Investigations are ongoing.
Police Foil Bandit Attack, Recover 78 Cows
In a separate operation, police operatives foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village under Gawazzau District of Binji Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 14, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. when armed bandits invaded the community, firing sporadically and rustling livestock.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Binji Division mobilised tactical teams alongside personnel from an Army Forward Operating Base to the area.
A gun duel reportedly followed, forcing the attackers to flee into a nearby forest after being overpowered by security operatives.
The Command confirmed that seventy-eight cows were recovered during the operation and would be returned to their rightful owners after proper verification.
Three Arrested Over Theft of 19 Sheep
The police also announced the arrest of three suspects linked to the theft of 19 sheep in the More area of the state.
According to the Command, the case was reported in the early hours of May 16, 2026, after a resident, Aliyu Bello, and two others alerted authorities that unknown persons had broken into Bello’s residence and stolen the animals.
A patrol team reportedly traced footprints of the stolen sheep to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of:
- Ibrahim Aliyu
- Rabiatu Ibrahim
- Aisha Ibrahim
Police said one of the suspects, Rabiatu Ibrahim, allegedly confessed that two other suspects identified as Auwalu and Juli, who remain at large, brought the stolen sheep into their house.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen crime prevention efforts.
