Sokoto Police Neutralise Two Bandits, Arrest Motorcycle Theft Suspects, Rescue Kidnapped Boy
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Police Command says its tactical teams have neutralised two armed bandits, arrested several suspects linked to motorcycle theft syndicates and rescued a 10-year-old kidnapped boy in separate operations across the state.
The command disclosed this in a press briefing dated August 19, 2026, by the State Police Commissioner, outlining recent operational achievements in its fight against banditry, kidnapping, motorcycle theft and other criminal activities.
According to the Police, the two bandits were neutralised on August 15 after security operatives responded to a distress call that armed criminals were advancing from Tsauana Forest to attack Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the forest. A subsequent operation in the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition.
The command also announced the arrest of three suspected members of a motorcycle theft syndicate during a raid on their hideout in the Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis.
Police said five stolen motorcycles and a fabricated pistol were recovered during the operation, while investigations are continuing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
In another operation, the Strike Force arrested suspects linked to motorcycle theft, extortion and the sale of illicit substances following reports from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Anguwar Rogo and Tamaje.
The investigation led to the recovery of 12 stolen motorcycles, with police continuing a manhunt for other suspects allegedly involved in the syndicate, including those accused of forging motorcycle documents and facilitating the sale of stolen property.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a suspected bandit, Abdullahi Buba, alias “Osho,” during a raid on a criminal hideout in Tudun Doki Village, Gwadabawa Local Government Area, on August 8.
Police said the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate allegedly involved in kidnappings and the imposition of illegal levies on communities in Gwadabawa, Kware and Gada local government areas. He is reportedly providing intelligence to assist the arrest of other members of the group.
The command also reported the rescue of a 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Sufiyanu, who was allegedly kidnapped in Gidan Madi, Tangaza Local Government Area.
Police said detectives intercepted two suspects on a motorcycle carrying a concealed sack after the boy was reported missing. The suspects fled during the interception, abandoning the sack, which was found to contain the boy alive and responsive.
The victim was taken to Gidan Madi General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. One suspect has been arrested and reportedly confessed to the crime, while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, who was represented by the PPRO, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, commended personnel of the Strike Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU for their professionalism and swift response.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling banditry, kidnapping and motorcycle theft, while warning criminals operating in the state that they would be pursued and prosecuted.
The police chief also urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the nearest police station and avoid purchasing stolen motorcycles, warning that buyers of stolen property would also face the law.
