Sokoto Police arrest cult syndicate, recover fake currency, charms, rescue 2 kidnapped victims By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command said it has recorded two major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crimes and criminality within the Caliphate.
This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, issued in Sokoto on Thursday.
It said, “In a coordinated intelligence-led raid on May 19, 2026, at about 14:00hrs, the Command’s Strike Force Unit acted on a credible tip-off from a patriotic citizen in the Mana Area, Sokoto.
“The informant flagged suspicious activity at a residence owned by one Yusufa Auditor (currently at large).
“Upon raiding the premises, operatives arrested four members of the notorious Sai Mallam cult group and recovered an extensive cache of counterfeit currencies and magical paraphernalia used to defraud innocent citizens.”
The statement listed the nabbed suspects as: Saifullahi Aminu, Ahmad Sarkin Aski, Muhammadu Lawali alias Gunda and Usama Muhammad alias Na’Ukada.
It further listed the recovered exhibits: 8 fake bunches of 10,000 CFA, 73 pieces of fake 5,000 CFA notes, 2 pieces of counterfeit $100 USD bills, 26 pieces of fake ₦1,000 Naira notes and ₦97,700 genuine Naira cash.
They also included 8 magic bottles,10 rings infused with charms, 12 pieces of assorted charms, 4 pieces of fake gold stones, 9 SIM cards, one Moniepoint ATM card, one National ID card and one magic box used to produce and print fake money.
The statement continued,” During interrogation, the suspects confessed to conspiring with Yanusa S. Aski (now at large) to criminally cheat victims by collecting their money, performing magic tricks, and falsely convincing them they were multiplying currency.”
“On May 20, 2026, at about 23:30hrs, police operatives attached to Binji Police Station received a distress call that armed bandits in large numbers had invaded Jareedi Village, a remote hamlet in Binji LGA.”
According to the statement, the hoodlums shot sporadically and kidnapped two victims: Umar Faruku, aged 30 as well as Husa Abdullahi, aged 52.
The statement added, “The Police acting on high alert, swiftly mobilized all tactical teams in conjunction with the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB).
” A fierce gun duel ensued, forcing the bandits to abandon the operation and flee through a nearby forest. Both victims were rescued.
“One victim sustained a minor injury to his right leg, was rushed to the hospital, treated, and discharged. Security teams remain on vigilant patrol in the area.”
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Command, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, as commendimg the bravery of the operatives and the invaluable role of the citizen who provided the timely intelligence that led to the dismantling of the counterfeit syndicate.
He added,” We now call on all residents of the Caliphate to continue providing timely, actionable information to security agencies. Your eyes and ears are critical to dismantling all forms of crime and criminality in our beloved state.
“Together, we can expose cultists, kidnappers, bandits, and fraudsters operating in our communities.
” Our emergency line is: Police Control Room 08026451719
“Let us speak up and take back our Caliphate from the hands of criminals. The Command assures every informant of complete confidentiality and protection.”
