The police command in Sokoto says it has foiled several bandit attacks, neutralised scores of criminals and recorded significant successes against violent crimes across the state.

The police commissioner, Hayatu Hassan-Shaffa, confirmed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Sokoto, highlighting sustained operations against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and drug trafficking.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa said coordinated operations rescued 689 domestic animals after security operatives foiled multiple bandit attacks and engaged the criminals in fierce gun battles.

He said the operations were carried out across Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta and Bodinga council areas, preventing further attacks on affected communities and residents. The police chief also confirmed the rescue of six kidnapped victims along the Rabah-Maikujera village road following a swift response by security operatives.

“On May 5, about 8:45 p.m., armed bandits blocked Rabah-Maikujera village road and kidnapped six persons travelling through the area,” Mr Hassan-Shaffa said.

He explained that the divisional police officer in Rabah immediately mobilised police officers, along with personnel from the army’s forward operating base, to confront the attackers.

“They engaged the bandits in a gun duel, overpowered them and successfully rescued all six kidnapped victims without allowing the criminals to escape with them,” he said.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa also revealed that officers foiled another bandit attack on May 20 in Jaredi village, Binji council area, rescuing two kidnapped victims during the operation. He further disclosed that police arrested three suspected Lakurawa bandits after raiding criminal hideouts in the villages of Maitabare, Masara, Bula, and Gingel on June 8.

“The operation involved policemen, PMF personnel, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Community Guards Corps, leading to the arrest of three suspected Lakurawa bandits,” he said.

He said the suspects confessed during interrogation that they belonged to the Lakurawa syndicate terrorising Silame, Binji, Tangaza, Illela and parts of neighbouring Kebbi.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa said the command also arrested three suspected kidnappers at Sokoto Central Motor Park on June 19, following credible information from concerned members of the public. He said investigations showed the suspects admitted involvement in kidnapping activities and identified five additional gang members attacking communities in Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa.

The police chief disclosed that police arrested a suspected bandit informant on Wednesday after four residents reported threatening WhatsApp messages from a suspected kidnapper.

“The suspect’s phone number was traced, and he was arrested at the Fakon Idi area. He confessed and claimed he committed the offence after losing his job,” he said.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa also announced the arrest of two suspected collaborators and fuel suppliers to the Lakurawa terrorist group during an operation conducted on Tuesday. He said officers recovered two jerrycans containing petroleum products, a wrap of cannabis and eight Tramadol tablets from the suspects during the operation.

“Investigations revealed they were contracted to purchase fuel for a suspected Lakurawa member, Ummaru Fillo, operating from Bilangi Forest,” the police commissioner stated.

He further disclosed that the police arrested four suspected cattle rustlers on July 13 in the villages of Anada and Falanje in the Binji council area. He said officers recovered six sheep allegedly stolen by the suspects alongside a Toyota Carina vehicle believed to have been used during their criminal activities.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa said another operation on July 4 led to the neutralisation of a suspected bandit in Daraye village, Wamakko council area. He added that officers recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition from the killed suspect during the operation.

The police chief also announced the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Sokoto-Kebbi road on May 27.

“Officers recovered a large quantity of Indian hemp, Exzol tablets, Benthexol tablets and substantial quantities of D5 tablets from the suspects,” he said.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa said the command also intensified efforts against motorcycle theft, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles while arresting 23 suspects and receivers of stolen property.

He appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility requiring everyone’s participation. 

(NAN)