Police Bust Alleged Drug Baron, Foil Bandits’ Attack in Sokoto
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded major security breakthroughs with the arrest of a suspected drug baron and the successful foiling of a coordinated bandit attack in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the Command disclosed that operatives attached to Bado Division intercepted two suspicious men during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road on May 27, 2026.
According to the statement, the suspects were riding an unregistered Daylong motorcycle when they were stopped by the patrol team. One of the suspects, identified as Ummaru Abubakar Gugare from Bagarawa in Bodinga Local Government Area, was arrested, while his accomplice escaped.
Police said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a large sack containing substances suspected to be Indian Hemp, alongside ten rubber containers filled with Axzol Tab, Benthexol Tablets B.P 5mg, and large quantities of D5 tablets, all classified as controlled hard drugs.
The Command confirmed that the exhibits have been taken into custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
In a separate operation, the police also foiled a bandit attack on Zabori, Tambaranga, and Gidan Yero villages in Wamakko Local Government Area during the early hours of May 30, 2026.
The statement revealed that following a distress call, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly mobilized and blocked the bandits’ escape route around Abdalo Forest in Gwadabawa Local Government Area, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Police said the bandits were overpowered and forced to flee into nearby forests with several sustaining bullet wounds. One suspect, identified as Musa Usman from Damba Village in Illela Local Government Area, was arrested during the operation.
The operatives also recovered eleven cows and five sheep believed to have been rustled by the criminals.
Commending the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat drug trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling across the state.
He called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, especially regarding suspicious movements, persons with gunshot wounds, or illegal livestock transactions.
The Police further assured members of the public that all information provided to security agencies would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
