Police foil Sokoto bandits' attack, recover 11 cattle

Sokoto State Police Command successfully thwarted a bandit attack in Tangaza Local Government Area, recovering 11 rustled cattle and apprehending multiple suspects involved in property crimes. The operation, a testament to the command's commitment to combating banditry and theft, saw personnel from various units engage bandits in a fierce gun battle.

“

The team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical positioning of our operatives, the criminals abandoned the stolen cattle and fled into the nearby forest.

According to a police statement, suspected Lakurawa bandits invaded Ayawa village, firing sporadically before attempting to flee with the cattle. A swift response from the Divisional Police Officer and supporting units blocked escape routes, leading to a confrontation. Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the criminals abandoned the stolen livestock and fled into the forest. All 11 cattle were recovered intact and returned to their owners.

In parallel operations, the command's Strike Force arrested four individuals suspected of burglarizing a shop in Sokoto metropolis. The suspects allegedly stole 53 women's wrapper materials. One suspect confessed and implicated others in selling the stolen goods. Additionally, a suspected member of a motorcycle theft syndicate was apprehended following reports of multiple thefts in Gidan Masau. The suspect reportedly confessed to stealing motorcycles with an accomplice and selling them to identified receivers, who are now being sought by the police.

“

He further revealed that he sold the items to one Abubakar Usman, while Bashar Abubakar and Sa’adu Shehu assisted in selling the stolen properties.

The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the command's dedication to eradicating crime within the state.

“

According to the statement, the suspect, Kabiru Abubakar, allegedly confessed to conspiring with an accomplice, Ibrahim Muhammad, who is currently at large, to steal motorcycles from Mana Babba, Nakasari, Bado Quarters, Gidan Kanawa and Tamaje areas.