The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected informants linked to bandit groups and recovered stolen livestock during separate security operations carried out in different parts of the state.
The development was disclosed on Saturday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.
According to the statement, Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both natives of Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were apprehended on May 15 by operatives attached to the Unguwar Rogo Division alongside personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Police explained that the suspects had earlier been placed on an intelligence watchlist for allegedly providing logistics and financial assistance to bandits terrorising communities in Rabah, Kware and Wurno local government areas.
Rufa’i noted that investigations into the matter were still in progress.
In another operation, security personnel successfully repelled a bandit attack in Gimba Village of Binji Local Government Area and recovered 78 cows believed to have been rustled by the attackers.
The bandits were said to have stormed the village on May 14, firing gunshots indiscriminately before escaping with a large number of cattle.
The police stated that operatives, in collaboration with troops from an Army Forward Operating Base, engaged the fleeing bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and retreat.
Authorities said arrangements were being made to return the recovered cows to their rightful owners.
Similarly, police patrol teams recovered 19 stolen sheep in the More area after tracing footprints leading to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area.
Three suspects identified as Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim and Aisha Ibrahim were arrested over their alleged involvement in the theft.
The police added that two other suspects escaped during the operation, while efforts were ongoing to track and arrest them.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, reiterated the command’s resolve to intensify efforts against banditry and other forms of violent crime across the state.
