The police command in Sokoto state has announced the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with criminal conspiracy, theft, mischief, and the receiving of stolen items.

Ahmed Musa, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Sokoto on Thursday.

He stated that the arrests aligned with the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

Mr Musa revealed that two suspects were apprehended following a report from the Manager of SAMAG Engineering Company regarding the alleged theft of aluminium conductor wires in Goronyo Local Government Area on Friday.

“The aluminium conductor wires, which were vandalised and carted away, were meant for the Sokoto East electrification reconstruction project.

“However, during the investigation, the stolen wires were recovered, and the suspects confessed to conspiring with two others who are still at large,” he said.

The CP also reported that officers attached to the Achida Police Out Station in Wurno LGA arrested a driver during a stop-and-search patrol on Saturday.

“The driver was found with sacks containing aluminum conductor wires, an iron cutter, and ropes.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to conspiring with three others who specialise in the vandalism of electric wires along Achida Road. The suspect will be arraigned in court,” Mr Musa added.

In a related development,Mr Musa said that on Sunday, police officers, in collaboration with vigilante groups, intercepted three suspects in Achida town in possession of copper wires suspected to have been stolen.

Additionally, the commissioner stated that the police had arrested five suspects within the Sokoto metropolis in connection with the theft of 35 metres of armoured cable wire.

The alleged theft was reported by the operation manager of the Gagi branch of the State Water Board.

“During the investigation, we arrested three individuals suspected of receiving the stolen items, along with exhibits such as naked armoured cable wires and a shovel.

”The investigation is ongoing,” he explained.

Mr Musa also revealed that, based on actionable intelligence, six individuals were arrested for allegedly conspiring to steal 13 motorcycles in the state.

He emphasised that efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects were ongoing and that they would be brought to justice.

The commissioner assured the public of the command’s commitment to providing a safe environment for people to conduct their daily activities in peace.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and assist the police by providing timely information about any suspicious activities in their communities.

(NAN)