Police arrest suspected bandit informants, financiers in Sokoto

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto state have arrested suspected bandits’ informants and financiers as part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and violent crime in the region.

Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, the commissioner of Police disclosed the development during a press briefing, highlighting recent operational successes recorded by the command.

According to him, on April 17, 2026, officers from the anti-kidnapping unit, acting on credible intelligence,arrested one Aminu Mai Roba in Binji Local Government Area.

The suspect was intercepted along the Ruwa-Wuri–Tangaza Road while in possession of four cows.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to receiving the animals from the Lakurawa terrorist group at Wariya Village, Tangaza LGA.

“His role was to sell the cattle and return the proceeds to the terrorist network,” Shaffa said.

He added that the recovered livestock had been registered as exhibits, while investigations are ongoing.

The police chief reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that recent operations reflect improved coordination among security agencies and community stakeholders.

He also said the command had intensified internal reforms in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at strengthening discipline and operational efficiency.

Highlighting another operation, Shaffa revealed that on April 8, security operatives responded to a distress call following an attack by armed bandits on Kwarengamba and Gayya da Kwari villages in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area.

“Our Police Tactical Team, in conjunction with the Military, Community Guard Watch, and local vigilantes, mobilised immediately to the scene. The joint force routed the bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun duel,” he said.

According to him, the attackers fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning a sack containing 167 rounds of live ammunition, which was later recovered by the security team.

The command maintained that the operations demonstrate its resolve to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety across the state.