Banditry: Sokoto Police Arrest 3 Collaborators, Others

Three suspects connected to banditry have been arrested in Tangaza local government area of Sokoto State and have been taken into custody of the State’s Police Command, for allegedly aiding the sales of rustled cattles and other dealings with suspected bandits.

Sokoto State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, who revealed the development, said: “the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), struck at the logistical heart of banditry, in an intelligence-driven operation within the state command.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives conducted a targeted operation in the Tangaza local government area of Sokoto state on December 3, 2025, at about 1400 hours. The operation led to the arrest of one Ruwa Ginyo, identified as the Fulani Head of Gidan-Madi, and two other accomplices.

“Investigations reveal that the three suspects allegedly function as brokers and financiers for a notorious bandit group. Their primary role was to receive rustled cattle, facilitate their sale in markets, and remit the proceeds to the armed elements.

“At the point of arrest, four rustled cows were recovered from the suspects as they attempted to sell them. The suspects have confessed to the crime, and investigation is ongoing.”

He further revealed that in demonstrating inter-command collaboration, a Strike Force team from the Sokoto State Police Command conducted a targeted investigation in the Talata Mafara local government area of Zamfara State on the same date at about 1700 hours.

“The operation targeted a criminal network involved in theft and receipt of stolen property, leading to the arrest of several individuals suspected of Criminal Conspiracy, Theft of Motorcycles, and Receiving Stolen Property.

“During this cross-border operation, two suspected stolen motorcycles were recovered. Preliminary investigations confirm that the items are linked to an ongoing case. All suspects are in custody, with investigations aimed at dismantling the wider syndicate,” DSP Rufai stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the operatives for their exceptional work and vigilance in both internal and external operations

CP Musa urged citizens to continue their vital partnership by providing timely and credible information, as such collaboration is essential for a safer society.