Police arrest suspected drug baron, recover hard drugs in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has reported significant successes in its ongoing efforts against drug trafficking and banditry. Operations have led to the arrest of a suspected drug baron and the seizure of a substantial cache of controlled substances.

During a routine stop-and-search along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road, police intercepted two suspects carrying a large quantity of Indian hemp and various controlled tablets, including Axzol Tab, Benthexol Tablets B.P 5mg, and D5 tablets. One suspect was apprehended, while the other escaped and is currently at large.

In a separate operation, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully repelled a bandit attack on villages in Wamakko Local Government Area. Following a distress call, police mobilized to intercept the bandits, leading to a gun battle. The bandits were forced to flee, reportedly sustaining injuries.

During the anti-banditry operation, police arrested one suspect and recovered 11 cows and five sheep believed to have been rustled. The livestock are in police custody pending their return to their rightful owners.

Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and bravery. He described the successes as significant blows to criminal cartels but stressed that combating drug abuse, trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling requires a collective effort from the community.

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These successes are significant blows to criminal cartels operating in our state, whether drug barons or armed bandits. However, the fight against drug abuse, trafficking, banditry and cattle rustling requires collective effort.