Police arrest long-wanted bandit informants, recover 97 rustled animals in Sokoto operations
The Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing counter-banditry operations across several local government areas, including Rabah, Kware, Wurno and Binji, with the arrest of two suspected bandit informants and the recovery of dozens of rustled livestock.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the suspects identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both from Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were arrested on May 15 after operatives acted on credible intelligence.
The police said the duo had been on the command’s intelligence watchlist for an extended period over alleged links to bandit groups operating in parts of the state.“They were intercepted while riding an unregistered Honda motorcycle and carrying two bags of dried leaves strongly suspected to be Indian hemp,” the statement said.
Police authorities alleged that the suspects supplied narcotics and other logistics to armed bandits terrorising Rabah, Kware and Wurno local government areas. Investigations are ongoing.
In a separate operation, security operatives foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village under Gawazzau District of Binji Local Government Area on May 14. The command said armed bandits invaded the community late at night, shooting sporadically and rustling domestic animals before police tactical teams and personnel from an Army Forward Operating Base responded to a distress call.
A gun battle reportedly ensued, forcing the attackers to flee into a nearby forest and abandon the stolen livestock. Police said a total of 78 cows were recovered and would be returned to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, police operatives also recovered 19 stolen sheep during a patrol operation in the More area on May 16.The animals were reportedly stolen from the residence of one Aliyu Bello before officers traced footprints leading to a house in Badageni Village, Kware LGA.
Three suspects; Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim and Aisha Ibrahim were arrested in connection with the case, while two other suspects identified as Auwalu and Juli remain at large.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to aid crime prevention efforts.
