Sokoto Hisbah Raids Suspected Brothels, Arrests 56 in Two-Day Crackdown
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Hisbah Board has arrested 56 suspected occupants and sealed several premises during coordinated raids on alleged brothels in different parts of the Sokoto metropolis.
The operations, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday under the special enforcement exercise tagged “Operation Tsaftace Birnin Shehu,” targeted locations in the Sokoto Cinema and Kwannawa areas following complaints and intelligence reports from residents over alleged immoral activities.
On Wednesday evening, Hisbah operatives raided a suspected brothel in the Sokoto Cinema area, arresting 11 suspects, including men and women, while shutting down the premises pending further investigation.
The operation was led by the Acting Commander of the Hisbah Board and Director of Da’awah and Aids, Imam Sirajo Abubakar, who said the exercise was aimed at curbing social vices and safeguarding societal values.
In a related operation on Thursday, the board expanded the crackdown to the Kwannawa area, where operatives reportedly raided several residential buildings comprising 107 rooms. The exercise led to the closure of three suspected brothels and the arrest of 45 additional suspects.
According to the board, the raids followed petitions and complaints from residents who alleged that immoral activities were taking place in the affected buildings.
Abubakar stated that the enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts by the board to maintain public order, promote moral standards, and protect young people from negative influences.
He warned operators of illegal brothels and individuals involved in activities deemed unlawful to desist, stressing that offenders would face prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
The Hisbah Board also urged residents to continue supporting security and enforcement agencies with credible information, assuring the public that similar operations would continue across the state.
