Sokoto Police Bust Counterfeit Syndicate, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Binji
The Nigeria Police Force Sokoto State Command has recorded major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities, arresting suspected members of a counterfeit currency syndicate and rescuing two kidnapped victims during separate security operations across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Command disclosed that operatives of the Strike Force Unit carried out an intelligence-led raid on May 19 in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis, leading to the arrest of four suspected members of the notorious “Sai Mallam” cult group.
According to the PPRO, the operation followed credible intelligence provided by a resident who reported suspicious activities at a house allegedly owned by one Yusufa Auditor, who is currently at large.
The suspects arrested include Saifullahi Aminu, Ahmad Sarkin Aski, Muhammadu Lawali alias Gunda, and Usama Muhammad alias Na’Ukada.
Police said several exhibits were recovered during the raid, including fake CFA and US dollar notes, counterfeit naira notes, genuine cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, charms, magic bottles, fake gold stones, SIM cards, an ATM card, and a so-called “magic box” allegedly used in producing fake currency.
Investigators said the suspects confessed to conspiring with another suspect identified as Yanusa S. Aski, who is still on the run, to defraud victims through fake money-doubling rituals and deceptive spiritual tricks.
In a separate operation, police operatives attached to Binji Police Station, working alongside troops of the Army Forward Operating Base, foiled a bandit attack at Jareedi Village in Binji Local Government Area on May 20.
The armed bandits reportedly stormed the village late at night, firing sporadically before abducting two residents identified as Umar Faruku, 30, and Husa Abdullahi, 52.
The Command said security operatives swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest and abandon the victims.
Both kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while one of them sustained a minor injury and was treated at a hospital before being discharged.
Commissioner of Police Hayatu Hassan Shaffa commended the operatives for their bravery and praised residents for supporting security agencies with timely intelligence.
The police urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, assuring informants of confidentiality and protection.
