The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in separate operations targeting cult-related fraud and banditry across the state.
In a statement issued by the Command, police disclosed that operatives of the Strike Force Unit on May 19, 2026, carried out an intelligence-led raid in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis following credible information from a resident concerning suspicious activities linked to a suspected criminal hideout.
According to the police, the operation targeted a residence allegedly belonging to Yusufa Auditor, who remains at large.
During the raid, four suspected members of the notorious “Sai Mallam” cult group were arrested. The suspects were identified as:
- Saifullahi Aminu
- Ahmad Sarkin Aski
- Muhammadu Lawali
- Usama Muhammad
Police said several items allegedly linked to counterfeit currency fraud and ritual-related deception were recovered from the suspects.
The exhibits recovered include:
- Eight fake bundles of 10,000 CFA notes
- Seventy-three fake 5,000 CFA notes
- Two counterfeit 100 US dollar bills
- Twenty-six fake ₦1,000 notes
- ₦97,700 suspected proceeds of crime
- Eight “magic” bottles
- Ten charm-infused rings
- Twelve assorted charms
- Four fake gold stones
- Nine SIM cards
- One Moniepoint ATM card
- One National Identity card
- A box allegedly used for fake money production
The Command said investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly collaborated with another suspect identified as Yanusa S. Aski, who is currently on the run, to defraud unsuspecting victims through fake money-doubling schemes and other fraudulent tricks.
Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Binji
In a separate operation, police operatives attached to Binji Police Station reportedly foiled a bandit attack in Jareedi Village, Binji Local Government Area, on May 20, 2026.
The Command said armed bandits invaded the community at about 11:30 p.m., firing sporadically before abducting two residents identified as:
- Umar Faruku
- Husa Abdullahi
Following a distress call, police tactical teams, working alongside personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base, reportedly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
The operation forced the bandits to flee into a nearby forest, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
Police said one of the rescued victims sustained a minor leg injury and was treated at a hospital before being discharged.
Security patrols have since been intensified across affected communities to prevent further attacks.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the operatives involved in both operations and praised the resident whose information contributed to the arrest of the suspected cult members.
The Command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding efforts against cultism, kidnapping, fraud, banditry, and related crimes.
Residents were also encouraged to use the Command’s emergency line: 08026451719.
