The police command in Sokoto State has announced the arrest of a suspected Lakurawa bandit and the recovery of an AK-49 rifle with ammunition, following a swift, intelligence-led operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai.

According to Mr Musa, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted decisively on credible intelligence on Sunday, leading to the arrest of one Buba Magaji from Julirkol Village in the Silame Local Government Area of the state.

He said, “His arrest was based on a specific tip-off identifying him as a close associate of the Lakurawa bandit syndicate, a group notorious for terrorising communities across multiple local government areas in the state. During the investigation, Magaji confessed to being involved in various criminal activities linked to the syndicate. He also revealed the location where he had hidden an AK-49 rifle in the bush along the Silame axis.’’

The commissioner added that following his lead, police operatives on Wednesday conducted a meticulous search of the area and recovered an AK-49 rifle, a magazine, and 22 rounds of live ammunition.

Mr Musa described the arrest and arms recovery as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminals.

“This operation is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of actionable intelligence and the dedication of our anti-kidnapping unit. It directly disrupts the operations of a group that has inflicted immense suffering in Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo LGAs,” he stated.

The CP commended the vigilance of community members whose tip-off led to the successful operation and urged continued public cooperation in the fight against crimes.

Mr Musa reassured the residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality in the state.

(NAN)