Sokoto: Police arrest suspected bandit informants, recover rustled animal

The Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has arrested two suspected bandit informants and recovered livestock during separate operations across the state.

The arrests and recoveries were confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.

The suspects, Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both from Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were arrested on May 15 by operatives of Unguwar Rogo Division in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Police said the suspects had been on the intelligence watchlist over alleged involvement in supplying logistics and financial support to bandit groups operating in Rabah, Kware and Wurno LGAs.

Rufa’i said investigations were ongoing.

In a separate operation, security operatives foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village, Binji Local Government Area, and recovered 78 rustled cows.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community on May 14, shooting sporadically before making away with livestock.

Police said operatives, working with an Army Forward Operating Base, engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee and abandon the stolen animals.

The recovered cattle are to be returned to their owners.

In another incident, police patrol teams recovered 19 stolen sheep in the More area after tracking footprints to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area.

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

Police said two other suspects fled the scene and efforts were ongoing to apprehend them.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes in the state.