Police Nab Alleged Bandit Informants, Financiers in Sokoto, Recover Rustled Cattle

Operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have arrested suspected bandit informants and financiers during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, recovering several rustled cattle in the process.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with local community guards, took place around 1:00 a.m. on Monday in Sarma Village, Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources disclosed that two suspects — Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18 — were apprehended during the raid. They were found in possession of seven suspected stolen cows and an unregistered motorcycle.

According to details shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspects reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that they were acting on the instructions of two alleged masterminds, identified as Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, who are currently at large.

The suspects were said to have been directed to deliver the cattle to one Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of Kara area in Illela Local Government Area. Ibrahim was subsequently tracked and arrested by the police.

Further findings revealed that Ibrahim allegedly admitted to selling two of the stolen cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, from Gwadabawa Local Government Area. Muhammad has also been taken into custody.

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects linked to the syndicate.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling banditry networks and their support structures across the state.