The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Goronyo Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle, live ammunition and stolen livestock during a coordinated security operation.
The operation followed a distress alert received by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department on Saturday at about 4pm, reporting that armed men had rustled several sheep in Tajaye village, Goronyo.
Acting on the intelligence, detectives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside operatives of the Salame Division, swiftly moved to the area and began tracking the suspects.
Police investigations later traced the suspects and the stolen animals to the outskirts of Kola village in Gwadabawa Local Government Area, where they were confronted by a joint security team comprising police officers, members of the Community Guard Watch and local vigilantes.
The suspects were said to have opened fire on sighting the operatives in a bid to evade arrest.
However, the security team reportedly repelled the attack, forcing the suspects to flee into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot injuries, abandoning their weapon and the rustled livestock.
A search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine and 24 rounds of live ammunition. All the recovered livestock were subsequently returned to their owners.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Musa, praised the professionalism and bravery displayed during the operation, as well as the support provided by community-based security groups.
He said the success of the operation highlighted the importance of collaboration between security agencies and residents in combating crime
The police boss added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that they were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Musa also lauded community members for providing timely information, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious activities through official channels.