Sokoto Police Record Major Security Breakthrough, Rescue Eight Kidnapped Victims
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing campaign against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, rescuing eight kidnapped victims, recovering 689 rustled domestic animals and arresting several suspected criminals and collaborators.
Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, announced the achievements on Thursday during a press briefing in Sokoto, where he presented the Command’s operational scorecard covering May to July 2026.
According to Shaffa, coordinated operations involving police tactical units and other security agencies thwarted multiple bandit attacks in Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta, Bodinga and other parts of the state, leading to the recovery of hundreds of stolen livestock.
He said all 689 recovered animals had been identified and returned to their rightful owners.
The commissioner disclosed that six travellers abducted along the Rabah–Maikujera Road regained their freedom after a joint police and military rescue operation forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee into a nearby forest. Two more victims were rescued in a separate operation at Jaredi Village in Binji Local Government Area.
“All the victims were rescued safely and reunited with their families,” Shaffa said.
He further revealed that intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, bandits and informants.
Among those in custody are three suspects who allegedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities across Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa local government areas.
Police also arrested a suspect accused of impersonating a bandit on WhatsApp to threaten his former employer after losing his job, while another suspected informant linked to bandit groups was apprehended.
In a separate operation, operatives intercepted a suspected logistics supplier allegedly transporting fuel to members of the Lakurawa terrorist group around Bilangi Forest. One suspect was arrested while his accomplice escaped, abandoning fuel, suspected cannabis and tramadol tablets.
Shaffa said investigations showed the suspects were engaged to procure and deliver fuel to the terrorist group, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The Command also reported success in armed operations against bandits. Three suspected bandits were neutralised during an attack in Bodinga, with an AK-47 rifle and 25 rounds of live ammunition recovered. Another suspected bandit was killed during an operation in Daraye Village, Wamakko Local Government Area, where another AK-47 rifle and 28 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
On the anti-crime campaign within the metropolis, the police arrested two suspected drug traffickers transporting large quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances. Officers also dismantled motorcycle theft syndicates, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles and arresting 23 suspects connected to the criminal network.
Shaffa also reviewed the Command’s traffic enforcement exercise, revealing that 105 vehicles had been impounded for operating without proper registration or violating traffic regulations, while 96 offenders had been prosecuted since the exercise commenced on June 16.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, describing public cooperation as critical to sustaining the fight against crime.
“The Sokoto State Police Command remains resolute in protecting lives and property through proactive, intelligence-led policing. Security is a shared responsibility, and together we can build a safer Sokoto State,” the commissioner concluded.
