The Sokoto State Police Command says it has rescued several kidnap victims, recovered 689 rustled domestic animals and recorded multiple arrests in a series of operations targeting banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, disclosed the achievements during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, where he reviewed the Command’s operations from May to mid-July 2026.
According to Shaffa, coordinated security operations carried out in Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta, Bodinga and other local government areas disrupted several bandit attacks and led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen livestock.
He said the police recovered a total of 689 domestic animals through intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling cattle rustling and other violent crimes.
The commissioner also revealed that six travellers abducted along the Rabah–Maikujera Road were rescued after security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. Two additional victims were also freed during a separate operation in Jaredi village, Binji Local Government Area.
He noted that all the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
Shaffa further disclosed that police arrested several suspected kidnappers and bandits during intelligence-led operations, including three suspects who allegedly admitted involvement in kidnapping activities across Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa local government areas.
The Command also apprehended suspected informants linked to criminal groups, including a man accused of sending threatening WhatsApp messages while posing as a bandit after losing his job.
In another operation, police intercepted a suspected logistics supplier to the Lakurawa terrorist group along the Tangaza–Gidan Madi Road. The suspect was found with petroleum products, suspected cannabis and tramadol tablets, while efforts are ongoing to arrest an accomplice who escaped.
On the fight against armed banditry, Shaffa said three suspected bandits were killed during an attack on Bodinga in June, with security operatives recovering an AK-47 rifle and 25 rounds of live ammunition.
He added that another suspected bandit was neutralised during a gun battle in Daraye village, Wamakko Local Government Area, where another AK-47 rifle and 28 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
The commissioner also highlighted progress in tackling drug trafficking and motorcycle theft, saying police arrested two suspected drug traffickers transporting large quantities of cannabis and other illicit substances.
He said the Command dismantled motorcycle theft syndicates operating within Sokoto metropolis, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles and arresting 23 suspects.
On traffic enforcement, Shaffa disclosed that police impounded 105 vehicles operating without valid registration plates or in violation of traffic regulations since the enforcement exercise began on June 16.
He added that 96 offenders had been prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act.
The commissioner urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that community collaboration remains essential to improving security across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-based policing to protect lives and property and sustain efforts against criminal activities in Sokoto State.
