The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded significant gains in its ongoing crackdown on banditry and cattle rustling, with the arrest of three suspects, recovery of arms, and rescue of 46 stolen cows in coordinated operations conducted between April and May 2026.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, noting that the achievements were driven by intelligence-led policing and rapid tactical response across multiple local government areas.
Suspects Arrested with Weapons
Operatives attached to Gidan Madi Division arrested three suspects on April 29, 2026, along the Tangaza–Gidan Madi Road following reports of suspicious movements.
The suspects—Aliyu Bello (30), Dahiru Umar (25), and Bashar Isah Yusuf (29), all from Kwazari village in Kware LGA—were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation.
A search led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 17 rounds of live ammunition, two 32g cartridges, two Dane guns, and six charms concealed in sacks.
Police said the suspects remain under investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the process.
19 Cows Recovered in Wamakko
In a separate operation on May 3, 2026, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call following a bandit attack on Gidan Bubu village in Wamakko LGA.
The fleeing suspects were tracked to Gidan Gawe forest in Silame LGA, where a gun duel forced them to abandon 19 rustled cows.
The livestock have since been secured, while efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Additional 27 Cows Recovered
Earlier, on April 30, 2026, security operatives responded to intelligence on suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Tangaza.
On arrival, the suspects fled under pressure, abandoning 27 stolen cows near Zamoriya village.
Investigations revealed the group had earlier attacked Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages on April 27 and 28.
Police confirmed that two individuals have been preliminarily identified as owners of the recovered animals, with verification ongoing before release.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage.
“These achievements highlight the value of credible intelligence and strong community collaboration. We remain resolute in ensuring that all criminal elements are brought to justice,” he said.
The Command urged residents, particularly in Tangaza, Gidan Madi, Silame, Wamakko, and Kware LGAs, to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain the fight against crime.
