Operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have arrested two suspected informants linked to bandit groups and recovered dozens of rustled livestock during separate security operations across the state.
The command disclosed that the suspects, identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, were apprehended on May 15 in Kurya Village, Rabah Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the suspects were arrested by officers attached to the Unguwar Rogo Division in conjunction with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence reports.
Rufa’i stated that the duo had been under surveillance over allegations of supplying logistics and financial assistance to armed bandit groups terrorising communities in Rabah, Kware and Wurno local government areas.
He added that investigations were still ongoing to uncover the extent of their alleged involvement.
In another operation, security operatives foiled an attack by suspected bandits in Gimba Village, Binji Local Government Area, recovering 78 cows allegedly stolen during the raid.
The police spokesman explained that the attackers stormed the village on May 14 and opened fire indiscriminately before escaping with the livestock.
He said a combined team of police operatives and personnel from an Army Forward Operating Base engaged the fleeing suspects in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee into nearby bushes.
The recovered cattle, according to the police, would be returned to their rightful owners after due verification.
Similarly, police patrol teams recovered 19 sheep suspected to have been stolen in the More area after tracking footprints leading to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area.
Three suspects — Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim and Aisha Ibrahim — were arrested in connection with the theft, while two others reportedly escaped.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hayatu Shaffa, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to intensify operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Sokoto State.