The Sokoto State Police Command says it has rescued kidnapped victims, recovered 689 rustled domestic animals, arrested suspected kidnappers and bandit collaborators, and killed several armed bandits during operations conducted between May and mid-July 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, disclosed the achievements during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday.
Shaffa said coordinated operations across Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta and Bodinga local government areas disrupted several bandit attacks and led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen livestock.
“In a bid to checkmate armed bandits, cattle rustling and other violent crimes, the Command rescued a total of 689 domestic animals across the state through coordinated operations that foiled multiple bandit attacks and led to the recovery of rustled livestock,” he said.
The commissioner also said police officers rescued six travellers who had been abducted along the Rabah–Maikujera road after engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle. Two other kidnap victims were rescued during a separate operation in Jaredi village in Binji Local Government Area.
According to Shaffa, all the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
He said intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and bandits, including three suspects who allegedly confessed to involvement in kidnappings in Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa local government areas.
The police also arrested suspected informants to bandits, including a man accused of sending threatening WhatsApp messages while posing as a bandit after losing his job.
Shaffa further disclosed that officers intercepted a suspected collaborator and fuel supplier to the Lakurawa terrorist group along the Tangaza–Gidan Madi road. He said petroleum products, suspected cannabis and tramadol tablets were recovered, while efforts were under way to arrest a second suspect who escaped.
On operations against armed bandits, the commissioner said three suspected bandits were killed during an attack on Bodinga in June, with an AK-47 rifle and 25 rounds of live ammunition recovered.
He added that another suspected bandit was killed during an exchange of gunfire with security operatives in Daraye village, Wamakko Local Government Area. An AK-47 rifle and 28 rounds of live ammunition were also recovered.
The command also reported progress in tackling drug trafficking and motorcycle theft.
According to Shaffa, two suspected drug traffickers were arrested while transporting large quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances. Police also dismantled motorcycle theft syndicates, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles and arresting 23 suspects.
“The Command’s Strike Force made significant strides in curbing the menace of motorcycle theft and the illicit trade in stolen property within Sokoto metropolis,” he said.
The commissioner added that 105 vehicles had been impounded since 16 June for operating without proper registration plates or in breach of traffic regulations. He said 96 offenders had been prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act.
Shaffa urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely intelligence and participating in community policing initiatives.
“The Sokoto State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led, community-oriented and proactive policing,” he said.
