Sokoto law enforcement frees abducted individuals, seizes 689 stolen livestock

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The Sokoto State Police Command has announced major operational successes in its fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of 689 rustled domestic animals, arrest of suspected kidnappers and bandit collaborators, and the neutralisation of armed bandits.

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The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto, where he highlighted the Command’s achievements from May to mid-July 2026.

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Shaffa said coordinated security operations across several local government areas, including Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta and Bodinga, frustrated multiple bandit attacks and led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen livestock.

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“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 revealed.

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The police commissioner also disclosed that officers rescued six kidnapped travellers along the Rabah-Maikujera road after engaging the abductors in a gun battle, while two more kidnap victims were freed during an operation in Jaredi village, Binji Local Government Area.

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According to him, all the victims were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their families.

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Shaffa said the Command arrested several suspected bandits and kidnappers during intelligence-led operations, including three suspects who allegedly confessed to carrying out kidnappings in Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa local government areas.

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He added that operatives also arrested suspected informants to bandits, including one man accused of sending WhatsApp threats while posing as a bandit after he was dismissed from his workplace.

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The commissioner further revealed that the police intercepted a suspected collaborator and fuel supplier to the Lakurawa terrorist group along the Tangaza-Gidan Madi road, recovering petroleum products, suspected cannabis and tramadol tablets, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend an accomplice who escaped.

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On the fight against armed bandits, Shaffa said three bandits were neutralised during an attack on Bodinga in June, with an AK-47 rifle and 25 rounds of live ammunition recovered.

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He added that another suspected bandit was killed during a gun battle with security operatives in Daraye village, Wamakko Local Government Area, where another AK-47 rifle and 28 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

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The police also pointed out that it recorded breakthroughs against drug trafficking and motorcycle theft.

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Shaffa said operatives arrested two suspected drug traffickers transporting large quantities of cannabis and other illicit drugs, while the Command dismantled motorcycle theft syndicates, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles and arresting 23 suspects.

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“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.

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On traffic enforcement, the commissioner said the Command had impounded 105 vehicles operating without proper registration plates or in violation of traffic regulations since the commencement of the exercise on June 16.

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He remarked that 96 offenders had been prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act.

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Shaffa urged residents to continue supporting security agencies through timely intelligence and community participation.

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“The Sokoto State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led, community-oriented and proactive policing,” he pledged, adding, “Security is a collective responsibility, and together, we can build a safer and more peaceful Sokoto State.”

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