Police neutralize 2 suspected bandits in Sokoto, nab 8 suspects, recover arms, ammunition
Police neutralize 2 suspected bandits in Sokoto, nab 8 suspects, recover arms, ammunition 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the sustained fight against banditry and motorcycle theft, with two bandits neutralized and eight suspects arrested in separate operations across the state.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the first operation was carried out on 15th August 2026 at about 2100hrs following a distress call that armed bandits were advancing from Tsauana Forest to attack Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.
In response, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit, and other tactical teams were mobilized.
The team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Overpowered, the hoodlums fled into the forest with gunshot wounds. During a combing of the area, two bandits were neutralized and the following items recovered: two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 6108 and 6327, two magazines, and fifty-four rounds of live ammunition.
The Command confirmed that no casualty was recorded on the side of security operatives or villagers. Confidence-building patrols are ongoing in the area while neighboring divisions have been placed on high alert to apprehend any injured suspects seeking medical attention.
In another operation on the same day at about 1500hrs, acting on intelligence, a combined team raided a hideout in Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis.
Three suspects were arrested: Siba Abdullahi of Dimbiso Village in Wurno LGA, Hassan Hassan of Tamaje Area, and Usama Isah of Ungwar Rogo Area. Five stolen motorcycles and one fabricated pistol without a breach number were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Command also reported arrests linked to criminal conspiracy, trespass, theft, forgery and receiving stolen properties. On 14th August 2026, following reports from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Anguwar Rogo and Tamaje, the Strike Force team arrested Hamza Abubakar of Mabera and Yasir Muhammed of Mana area.
During interrogation, they confessed to working with other suspects to steal motorcycles which were later sold to Zaharadeen Muhammed of Mana area.
Further findings revealed that Mustapha Abdulwasiu and Zayyanu Muhammed forged documents for the stolen motorcycles.
Also, Kabiru Sani Shehu Aminu alias Dan Galadima, Aliyu Shehu and Abdullahi Kasimu facilitated their sale. Buyers including Abubakar Aliyu, Abdullahi Bashar and Zakariya Ibrahim have also been arrested.
A total of nine stolen motorcycles have been recovered in connection with this syndicate. Manhunts are ongoing for other fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers and men of the Strike Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU for their professionalism and bravery.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating banditry and motorcycle theft, and warned that all criminals in the state will be relentlessly pursued.
CP Shaffa urged the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid buying stolen motorcycles, noting that buyers will also face the full wrath of the law.
He called on parents and guardians to caution their wards against crime, and assured residents of the Caliphate that the Command will not rest until all fleeing suspects are arrested and prosecuted.
