The Sokoto State Police Command detained suspected bandit financiers and motorbike thieves in two coordinated raids conducted on Wednesday in Sokoto and neighboring Zamfara states.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, three men were caught in Tangaza Local Government Area for reportedly funding a notorious bandit group by assisting them in selling rustled cattle.
Rufai said, “One of the arrested suspects, Ruwa Ginyo, identified as the Fulani head of Gidan-Madi, was apprehended alongside two accomplices. Police recovered four rustled cows during the operation.”
Ahmed Musa, Commissioner of Police, identified the accused as members of the “financial engine room” that keeps bandits operating. “Cutting off their funding stream is a major victory,” he informed me.
Hours later, the Command’s Strike Force invaded Talata Mafara in Zamfara State, apprehending numerous people tied to a motorcycle theft and resale syndicate.
During the operation, two motorcycles reported as stolen in Sokoto were recovered.
Musa stated that the arrests demonstrate the Command’s expanded operational reach.
“Our message is clear. If you commit a crime in Sokoto, we will find you—even if you run to another state. The era of criminals feeling safe across borders is over,” he added.
He asked locals, particularly cattle and motorcycle traders, to check ownership paperwork before making a transaction and to report any suspicious activity as soon as possible.
