Sokoto Police Arrest Alleged Bandit Financiers and Motorcycle Thieves in Coordinated Raids
The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended suspected bandit financiers and motorcycle thieves in two coordinated operations conducted on Wednesday across Sokoto and neighboring Zamfara State.
According to a statement on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, three men were arrested in Tangaza Local Government Area for allegedly funding a notorious bandit group by assisting in the sale of rustled cattle.
Rufai said, “One of the suspects, Ruwa Ginyo, identified as the Fulani head of Gidan-Madi, was detained along with two accomplices. Police recovered four stolen cows during the operation.”
Sokoto Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, described the suspects as part of the “financial engine room” sustaining bandit activities. “Cutting off their funding is a major victory,” he noted.
Hours later, the Command’s Strike Force conducted a raid in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, arresting several individuals connected to a motorcycle theft and resale syndicate. Two motorcycles reported stolen in Sokoto were recovered during the operation.
Musa emphasized that the arrests highlight the Command’s expanding operational reach. “Our message is clear: if you commit a crime in Sokoto, we will track you down — even across state borders. The era of criminals feeling safe is over,” he said.
He further urged residents, especially livestock and motorcycle dealers, to verify ownership documents before transactions and to report suspicious activities promptly.
