Insecurity: Sokoto Police neutralize bandits, recover arms, rustled cattle, records other successes 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Determined to effectively banditry and other related criminal activities, the Sokoto State Police Command said it has neutralize some suspected Lakurawa bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers, among other criminals.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that this feat was disclosed on Thursday in Sokoto at a press conference addressed by the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Alhaji Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, flanked by other management staff of the command.
According to Shaffa, on 14th July, at about 2100hrs one member of Community Guard Corps reported activities of some suspicious persons to the Police men attached to the Gidan Madi Division.
He said that the Police corresponded and intercepted along Tangaza to Gidan Madi Road two individuals on a Red Daylong motorcycle carrying two jerry cans loaded with petroleum product.
According to the CP, one suspect arrested and one suspect escape while searching the suspect one Wrap of Weed, 8 Tablet of Tramadol were recovered.
Shaffa added,”Investigation revealed that the suspect are contracted to buy Fuel and delivered it to one Ummaru Fullo ‘M’ a suspected Lakurawa member at Bilangi forest notorious for activities of Lakurawa terrorist, effort are on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspect. Case under investigation.”
According to the CP, in a bid to checkmate bandits, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes, the command rescued a total of 689 domestic animals across the state through coordinated operations that foiled multiple bandits’ attacks.
He added that this led to the recovery of rustled livestock, with tactical teams engaging the bandits in gun duels, recovering stolen animals, arresting suspects, and handing over all recovered animals to their rightful owners, with operations conducted in the local government areas of Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta, and Bodinga among others.
Shaffa further said that on 07/05/2026 at about 2045hrs, the DPO Rabah acted on a distress call that, armed bandits in large number, blocked Rabah-Maikujera village road, shooting sporadically and kidnapped six person on transit with a canter motor vehicle loaded with charcoal.
He stated that the DPO immediately mobilized his team and Army FOB to the scene and engaged them in gun duel that lasted for some time, the hoodlums were overpowered and escaped into the nearby forest, all the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and their vehicle recovered.
According to the Sokoto State CP, the victims were reunited to their families.
Also, on 20/05/2026 at about 2330hrs, DPO Binji reported that, a distress call was received that, armed bandits in large numbers, invaded Jaredi villages, a remote hamlet in Binji LGA, shooting sporadically and kidnapped two persons, on receipt of information.
Shaffa disclosed, “The DPO who was on alert mobilized all tactical teams as well as army FOB to the village and engaged the bandits into gun duel that lasted for sometime the hoodlums were overpowered and escaped through a nearby forest, the two kidnapped victims were rescued and already reunited with their families.”
Shaffa added that On 14/06/2026 at about 0530hrs, DPO Tureta reported that, the Divisional patrol team while on stop and search duty, arrested one Shehu Umar Kuruwa, aged 47, who was allegedly suspected to be among the informant to bandits and the suspect has been charge to court for prosecution.
According to the CP, in compliance with the earlier directives of the Inspector General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on cracking down on vehicles without plate numbers, covered plate numbers, and other related traffic offences.
Shaffa added, “This enforcement exercise is a proactive security measure aimed at improving vehicle identification and strengthening public safety.
“Following the commencement of the enforcement exercise from 16th June, 2026 to date, the Command has impounded a total of 105 vehicles, while 96 offenders have been prosecuted for offences contrary to Section 67(1) of the National Road Traffic Regulations and Section 10(3) of the Road Traffic Act, 2012.
He added,”I therefore urge all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are duly registered and their registration number plates are properly affixed and clearly visible at all times.
“Members of the public are encouraged to partner with the Police through active community participation, intelligence sharing, and early identification of security threats.
“The Sokoto State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led, community-oriented, and proactive policing.I therefore call on all residents of Sokoto State to continue supporting the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and together, we can build a safer and more peaceful Sokoto State.”
