The Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has arrested two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers allegedly linked to criminal gangs operating across parts of the state, while also recovering dozens of rustled livestock during separate security operations.

The arrests and recoveries were disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.

According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both from Kurya Village in the Rabah Local Government Area, were apprehended on May 15 by operatives attached to Unguwar Rogo Division in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Police said the duo had been on the intelligence watchlist for a long time over alleged involvement in supplying logistics and financial support to bandit groups terrorising Rabah, Kware and Wurno local government areas.

Rufa’I said, “The suspects had been on the police intelligence watchlist for a long period due to their alleged role as key informants and financial facilitators for bandit gangs.”

He added, “Intelligence indicates the suspects were actively supplying the narcotics to bandits terrorising Rabah, Kware and Wurno LGAs as part of a logistics and financing arrangement.”

The police spokesperson noted that investigations into the matter were ongoing.

In another operation, security operatives foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village under Gawazzau District of Binji Local Government Area and recovered 78 rustled cows.

The command explained that armed bandits invaded the community late on May 14, shooting sporadically and carting away an unspecified number of domestic animals.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO mobilised all tactical teams alongside an Army Forward Operating Base to the village,” Rufa’I stated.

“The security forces engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. The hoodlums were overpowered and escaped through a nearby forest, abandoning the stolen animals,” he added.

Police said the recovered cattle would be handed over to their rightful owners while security operatives maintain surveillance in the area to prevent further attacks.

Similarly, the command said officers on patrol around the More area in the early hours of Friday recovered 19 stolen sheep after tracing footprints from the scene of the theft to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area.

Three suspects — Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim and Aisha Ibrahim — were arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the police, one of the suspects, Rabiatu Ibrahim, confessed that two fleeing suspects identified as Auwalu and Juli brought the stolen sheep to their residence.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, and the investigation continues,” the statement added.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, reaffirmed the command’s determination to tackle insecurity across the state.

“The Command remains committed to ridding the state of banditry, kidnapping and related crimes,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and improve public safety. (Sunday PUNCH)

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