The Sokoto State Police Command has struck a major blow against criminal networks, arresting three alleged financiers of banditry alongside several other suspects believed to be part of a thriving cross-border theft syndicate.
The coordinated raids yielded rustled cattle and stolen motorcycles, marking another decisive step in the state’s widening security dragnet.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, revealed the development in a statement on Friday, stressing that the latest breakthroughs reflect a renewed push for smarter, intelligence-led policing.
He explained that the first operation, executed on Wednesday by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department, followed actionable intelligence from Tangaza Local Government Area.
According to Rufai, operatives moved in on one Ruwa Ginyo of Gidan-Madi and two others believed to be key intermediaries who allegedly bankroll a feared bandit group operating in the region.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly received rustled cattle from armed bandits, sold them in markets, and remitted the proceeds to the criminals,” he stated.
He added that the suspects admitted to the crime, with four rustled cows recovered at the scene as they attempted to offload the animals in the market.
In a parallel sting operation in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, detectives trailed and arrested more suspects linked to a web of conspiracy, motorcycle theft and the handling of stolen property.
“During the cross-border operation, two suspected stolen motorcycles were recovered, with preliminary investigations linking the items to an ongoing case in Sokoto.
“All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to dismantle the wider syndicate,” Rufai said.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, applauded the officers for their professionalism and relentless pursuit of criminal elements across state lines.
The CP further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supplying the police with timely intelligence, assuring them that any information shared will be treated with absolute confidentiality.
