Law enforcement apprehends multiple individuals, retrieves pilfered goods in Sokoto

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The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of criminal syndicates involved in housebreaking, theft and receiving stolen property in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

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The operations, carried out by the command’s Strike Force, also led to the recovery of stolen motorcycles, a sewing machine and several mobile phones, while security operatives intensified efforts to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.

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According to a statement issued on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the first operation followed a complaint by a resident of Rumbukawa, Mahadi Abubakar, whose house was burgled on July 24.

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The suspects reportedly carted away a sewing machine, a power bank, 13 mobile phones of different brands and ₦50,750 in cash.

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The statement read, “Detectives tracked and arrested one Anas Bello while he was attempting to sell the stolen sewing machine at the Sokoto Central Market.

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“His arrest led to the apprehension of Bello Sambo, who was allegedly found with three stolen phones, while another suspect, Murtala Sambo, was later arrested with a recovered Realme phone.”

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Police said two other suspects identified as Kabiru, also known as Alhaji, and Muji remain on the run.

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In a separate operation, the Strike Force arrested three suspects over the theft of three motorcycles reported stolen from homes in the Alkammawa area on August 2.

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“The suspects, identified as Mubarak Nasiru, also known as Dan Bahago; Muh’d Bello, alias Malaga; and Ismail Aminu, alias Anda, allegedly confessed to committing the crime with other accomplices who are still at large,” the statement added.

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Police said investigations revealed that several members of the syndicate assisted in disposing of the stolen motorcycles, while another suspect allegedly acted as the buyer.

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“Two of the stolen motorcycles have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining one and arrest the fleeing suspects,” it added.

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Commending the Strike Force for the successful operations, the state Commissioner of Police, Hassan Shaffa, said the arrests demonstrated the command’s determination to combat crime across the state.

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“These arrests are a clear testament to our unwavering commitment to rid Sokoto State of criminal elements who prey on innocent citizens. The Strike Force has proven once again that crime does not pay, and we will continue to pursue fleeing suspects until they are all brought to justice,” the commissioner said.

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Shaffa warned criminals and their collaborators to desist from unlawful activities or face prosecution, adding, “We will not rest until every stolen property is recovered and every perpetrator is held accountable.”

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He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities, assuring the public that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.

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