The Sokoto State Police Command has reported the killing of two suspected bandits and the arrest of several other suspects in separate operations across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’I, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operations also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and suspected stolen motorcycles.

According to Rufa’I, the first operation took place at about 9 p.m. on August 15, 2026, after the police received a distress call that armed bandits were moving from Tsauana Forest towards Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.

He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical teams, were promptly deployed to the area.

The security personnel reportedly engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition. The police said two suspected bandits were killed during the encounter.

Rufa’I added that no security personnel or civilian was injured during the operation, while confidence-building patrols continued in the area.

He said neighbouring police divisions had also been placed on high alert to apprehend any injured suspects who might seek medical attention.

In a separate operation at about 3 p.m. on the same day, police operatives, acting on intelligence, raided suspected criminal hideouts in the Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Siba Abdullahi of Dimbiso Village in Wurno Local Government Area; Hassan Hassan of Tamaje; and Usama Isah of Ungwar Rogo.

The police said five suspected stolen motorcycles and a locally fabricated pistol were recovered.

The command said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged motorcycle theft syndicate.

Rufa’I also disclosed that several suspects allegedly linked to criminal conspiracy, trespass, theft, forgery and receiving stolen property had been arrested following reports from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Unguwar Rogo and Tamaje.

On August 14, the Strike Force team arrested Hamza Abubakar of Mabera and Yasir Muhammed of Mana.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly worked with others to steal motorcycles, which were later sold to Zaharadeen Muhammed of Mana.

Further investigations, the command said, revealed the alleged involvement of Mustapha Abdulwasiu and Zayyanu Muhammed in the forgery of documents relating to the motorcycles.

Other suspects identified by the police include Kabiru Sani Shehu Aminu, also known as Dan Galadima, Aliyu Shehu and Abdullahi Kasimu, who were allegedly involved in facilitating the sale of the motorcycles.

The command also said some alleged buyers, including Abubakar Aliyu, Abdullahi Bashar and Zakariya Ibrahim, had been arrested.

So far, nine stolen motorcycles have been recovered in connection with the investigation, while efforts are continuing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended personnel of the Strike Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRU for their professionalism and courage.

Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to addressing banditry, motorcycle theft and other forms of criminality across the state.

He assured residents that suspects arrested in connection with the cases would be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the security agencies.

He also cautioned members of the public against purchasing stolen motorcycles, noting that those who knowingly purchase stolen property could face legal consequences. (The Guardian)

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