The Sokoto State Police Command says two suspected bandits were killed during a gun battle, while 17 stolen motorcycles were recovered in separate operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatullah Shaffa, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the command’s recent achievements in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, motorcycle theft and other criminal activities.
According to Shaffa, the latest operation followed intelligence about an attempted attack on Ndankaradu village on August 15. Tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Voluntary Vigilante Group Rescue, were deployed to the area.
The police said the operatives engaged the suspected bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of ammunition.
The command also announced the arrest of suspected members of motorcycle theft syndicates and the recovery of several stolen motorcycles.
Three suspects identified as Siba Abdullahi, Hassan Hassan and Osman Ishan were arrested following intelligence-led operations. Five motorcycles and a fabricated pistol were reportedly recovered from their premises.
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In another operation, two suspects, Hamza and Yasser, were arrested following complaints from community leaders over motorcycle theft, extortion and illicit drug activities. Police investigations allegedly uncovered a wider network involved in stealing motorcycles, selling them and forging documents for the stolen vehicles.
The commissioner said 12 additional stolen motorcycles had so far been recovered in connection with the syndicate, bringing the total number recovered during the operations to 17.
The command also disclosed the arrest of a suspected bandit, Abdullah Habuba, alias Osho, who was allegedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Gwadabawa, Bodinga and other parts of Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, police rescued a 10-year-old boy, Mohammed Sofianu, who was reportedly abducted in Gidambadi, Tangaza Local Government Area.
The child was allegedly lured into a room, sedated and forced into a sack before being rescued. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Shaffa assured residents that the police would sustain operations against criminal elements across the state and warned members of the public against purchasing stolen motorcycles.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, stressing that the command would continue efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
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