Sokoto Police Arrest Suspected Vandals, Thieves, Recover Stolen Motorcycle, 28 Grinding Machines
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested several suspects linked to vandalism, theft, and receiving stolen property in separate operations carried out by its Strike Force, recovering stolen items including copper wiring, a motorcycle, and 28 grinding machines.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the operations followed intelligence-led investigations and swift responses by detectives attached to the Strike Force.
In one of the operations, police arrested Mustapha Umar of the Kwanni area for allegedly breaking into the National Veterinary Research Institute through the ceiling, vandalising electrical installations, and stealing copper wiring, a submersible pump, and garlic. The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation and identified an accomplice, Aliyu, who is also from the Kwanni area. Investigations are ongoing.
In another case, detectives recovered a red Haojue UD motorcycle stolen from the Marina area after arresting Bashar Ibrahim at Raymond Village. The suspect allegedly admitted to stealing the motorcycle, which has since been identified by its owner, Muhammed Tukur.
The Command also announced the arrest of two suspects, Chidozie Chidi of Tamaje and Hamza Aliyu of Mana, in connection with the theft of 91 grinding and rice milling machines.
During the operation, police recovered 21 complete grinding machines and seven incomplete machines. Investigators are working to recover the remaining stolen equipment and identify other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
Commending the Strike Force for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the officers for their professionalism and dedication in tackling crime across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance policy against criminal activities and urged residents to remain vigilant, secure their property, and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
