By Adesakin Adefemi
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has foiled multiple bandit attacks and recovered arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across the state, Commissioner of Police Hassan Shaffa announced Friday.
Briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on April 24, 2026, CP Shaffa said the Command remains “resolute, proactive, and strategically positioned to confront and decisively neutralize all forms of criminal activities” in the state.
He disclosed that on April 8, a joint team of police operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes repelled armed bandits who attacked Kwarangamba and Gaya villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The attackers were engaged in a gun duel and forced to retreat with injuries.
During the pursuit, the bandits abandoned a sack containing 167 rounds of live ammunition. The rounds were recovered by security forces and have been registered as exhibits, the commissioner confirmed.
In a separate operation on April 15, the Command carried out raids on criminal hideouts in Tambuwal, Kware, and Goronyo LGAs. The raids led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of locally made firearms, an AK-47 magazine, military camouflage, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“All the suspects have been charged in court accordingly,” Shaffa said. “These operations are part of our sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within Sokoto State.”
The police also arrested a suspected bandit informant and logistics supplier, identified as Aminu Meroba. He was intercepted along the Tangaza axis with four cows believed to have been rustled by a terrorist group.
According to CP Shaffa, the suspect confessed to receiving the animals from a terrorist group with the intention of selling them and remitting the proceeds. Investigations into his network are ongoing.
Responding to journalists’ concerns over rising insecurity in Achida and nearby communities, including displacement of residents and alleged logistics gaps, Shaffa acknowledged the challenges. He assured that more tactical teams have been deployed to the axis, now designated a priority area.
“We are aware of the situation in Achida, Gurno, and other areas. We have men on the ground and are deploying more tactical teams,” he said. “Very soon, we will clear those areas.”
The commissioner added that the Command is working with the state government, other security agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering and response time. He urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information.
