Police in Sokoto record operational victories against banditry, property crime 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command wishes to inform the public of significant breakthroughs in our ongoing fight against crime, following a series of coordinated operations by our Tangaza Division, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Strike Force teams over the past weeks.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Sokoto by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai
It said that on July 20, 2026, at about 1845hrs a distress call was received reporting that a large number of Lakurawa armed bandits had attacked Ayawa village, firing sporadically and rustling 11 cattle.
It continued,” In a swift response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his team, alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU, mobilized and successfully blocked all exit routes from the village.
“The team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical positioning of our operatives, the criminals abandoned the stolen cattle and fled into the nearby forest.
“All 11 rustled cattle were recovered intact and handed over to the owners.”
In a separate development, the Strike Force team has recorded successes in cracking down on property theft and receiving stolen goods.
According to the statement, these successes included the recovery of 53 Pieces of Women’s Wrapper Materials and Arrest of Four Suspects
It added, “On July 19, 2026, one Marwanu Akibu reported to the Strike Force that on July 10, 2026, at about 1400hrs, unknown persons broke into his shop located at Guiwa low cost are and stole 53 pieces of women’s wrapper materials.
“Acting on this complaint, Strike Force team on patrol along the Old Market area in Sokoto, where one Mustpha Danbaba ‘M’ of Kofar Marke area was arrested.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to breaking into the shop and stealing the wrappers.
“He further revealed that he sold the items to one Abubakar Usman, and that Bashar Abubakar and Sa’adu Shehu assisted in selling the stolen properties. The case is currently under investigation.”
The command, in the statement also announced the arrest of a suspect and recovery of a motorcycle in connection with syndicate theft
It states, “On July 20, 2026, at about 0900hrs, one Usman Aminu ‘M’ of Gidan Masau area, along with five other complainants, reported to the Strike Force that unknown persons invaded their area and carted away their motorcycles.
“The Strike Force team quickly swung into action along Aliyu Jodi and Sahara areas, leading to the arrest of Kabiru Abubakar, a suspected member of a motorcycle theft syndicate.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect confessed to criminally conspiring with one Ibrahim Muhammad ‘M’ of Tamaje area, Sokoto (currently at large).
“The duo allegedly invaded Mana Babba, Nakasari, Bado Quarters, Gidan Kanawa, and Tamaje area, carting away an unspecified number of motorcycles.
“The stolen motorcycles were reportedly sold to one Ahmad ‘M’ of Sabon Titi and one Alhaji Kabiru ‘M’ of Hausawa area (both suspects currently at large). Investigation into this case is ongoing.”
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, as coommending the gallant efforts of the officers involved.
The CP assured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.
He added, “We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies.”
