Sokoto Police Kill 2 Bandits, Arrest 9, Recover 17 Motorcycles in Major Crackdown

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has neutralized two bandits and arrested nine suspects in a series of operations targeting banditry, kidnapping and motorcycle theft across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, spoke on Wednesday in Sokoto on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa

He said on 15th August 2026 at about 2100hrs, the Command received a distress call that armed bandits were advancing from Tsauana Forest to attack Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.

According to him, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit and other tactical teams were immediately mobilized to the scene.

 They engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. Two bandits were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds.

He added that the operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition. No casualty was recorded on the side of security operatives or villagers.

Rufa’i added that on the same date at about 1500hrs, acting on intelligence, a combined team raided criminal hideouts in Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis. Three suspects were arrested.

“They are 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 were recovered. The suspects have been charged to court and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate,”the PPRO continued.

In another development, on 14th August 2026, community leaders from Mana Babba, Mabera, Anguwar Rogo and Tamaje reported a rise in motorcycle theft and extortion.

He said that the Strike Force team mobilized and arrested Hamza Abubakar of Mabera and Yasir Muhammed of Mana area.

“During interrogation, they confessed to conspiring with other suspects to steal motorcycles which were sold to Zaharadeen Muhammed of Mana area. Investigations further revealed that Mustapha Abdulwasiu and Zayyanu Muhammed forged documents for the stolen motorcycles, while Kabiru Sani Shehu Aminu alias Dan Galadima and others facilitated their sale.

” All buyers have been arrested and a total of twelve stolen motorcycles have been recovered in connection with the syndicate. Manhunts for other fleeing suspects are ongoing,”he added.

The PPRO also disclosed that on 8th August 2026, operatives raided a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa LGA, and arrested Abdullahi Buba alias “Osho.”

Rufa’i stated that during interrogation, he confessed to being a key member of a syndicate responsible for kidnappings and the illegal imposition of levies on communities in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada LGAs.

According to him, he is currently assisting police with intelligence to track other fleeing gang members.

In a separate incident on 11th August 2026, surveillance detectives in Gidan Madi, Tangaza LGA, intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack.

The suspects fled but abandoned the sack which contained 10-year-old Muhammad Sufiyanu, adding that the boy had been kidnapped and sedated.

 “He was treated at Gidan Madi General Hospital and discharged. One suspect has been arrested and has confessed to the crime,”he continued.

According to the PPRO, CP Shaffa commended officers and men of the Strike Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU for their professionalism and bravery.

“He reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality, particularly banditry and motorcycle theft.

“He warned that all criminals operating within the state will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

“The Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, and avoid patronizing stolen motorcycles, noting that buyers will also face the full wrath of the law.

“He called on parents and guardians to warn their wards against engaging in criminal activities and assured residents of the Caliphate that the Command will not rest until all fleeing suspects are apprehended and prosecuted,” Rufa’i added.