Sokoto Police Arrest Three, Recover Arms, 46 Cattle in Crime Ring Bust
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested three suspects and recovered weapons and 46 rustled cows in a series of coordinated security operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, carried out between April 29 and May 3 in Tangaza, Wamakko, and Silame Local Government Areas, were disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended during a stop and search operation along the Tangaza Gidan Madi Road, following credible intelligence on suspicious movements in the area.
The arrested individuals Aliyu Bello 30, Dahiru Umar 25, and Bashar Isah Yusuf 29, all from Kwazari village in Kware LGA were found in possession of a fabricated AK47 rifle, one magazine, 17 rounds of live ammunition, two 32 gauge cartridges, two dane guns, and charms.
Police said the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of inquiries.
In a separate operation on May 3, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gidan Bubu village, Wamakko LGA, after receiving intelligence on an attack by armed bandits.
Security operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into Gidan Gawe Forest in Silame LGA, where they abandoned 19 cows and escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Similarly, on April 30, police recovered 27 cows near Zamoriya village in Tangaza LGA after responding to a distress call over the activities of suspected members of the Lakurawa group. The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting security personnel.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, said the successes highlight the impact of intelligence driven policing and community support.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminal elements and urged the public to continue providing timely and useful information.
Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and return the recovered cattle to their rightful owners.
