Police take down two bandits and arrest 11 suspects in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police have killed two suspected bandits and arrested 11 others in different operations against banditry, motorcycle theft, and other crimes in the state.

During these operations from August 14 to 15, 2026, they recovered two AK-47 rifles, 54 rounds of live ammunition, magazines, a locally made pistol, and 14 stolen motorcycles.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday. He said the operations included a successful response to an attempted bandit attack on Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area.

According to the statement, police received a distress call around 9 pm on August 15 that armed bandits were coming from Tsauana Forest towards Dankadu Village. The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit, and other tactical teams were quickly sent to the area.

“The gallant officers engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for a considerable time,” the statement noted. The police said the bandits, overwhelmed by the superior firepower, ran into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Afterward, a search of the area led to the killing of two of the fleeing suspects and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and 54 rounds of live ammunition. The police confirmed that no security officer or resident was killed during the operation, adding that patrols are ongoing to boost residents' confidence in their safety.

In another operation, three suspects were arrested for being part of a motorcycle theft ring operating around the Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis. The suspects are Siba Abdullahi from Dimbiso Village, Wurno Local Government Area; Hassan Hassan from Tamaje; and Usama Isah from Ungwar Rogo.

From their homes, police recovered five stolen motorcycles and a locally made pistol. The command also noted that its Strike Force arrested more suspects connected to a larger network involved in motorcycle theft, extortion, forgery, and receiving stolen property.

This operation followed complaints from community leaders in Mana Babba, Mabera, Anguwar Rogo, and Tamaje about rising motorcycle theft and other crimes. Police arrested Hamza Abubakar from Mabera and Yasir Muhammed from Mana during this operation.

The suspects reportedly confessed to working with other members of the gang, some of whom are still on the run, to steal motorcycles. Further investigations led to the arrest of buyers of the stolen motorcycles, identified as Abubakar Aliyu, Abdullahi Bashar, and Zakariya Ibrahim.

“A total of nine stolen motorcycles have been recovered in connection with this syndicate,” the command said. Police added that they are still working to catch other members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, praised the officers involved for their “professionalism, bravery, and swift response.” He stated that the command is dedicated to breaking up criminal gangs in the state.

He warned that “all criminals operating within the state will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.” The commissioner also urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the police. He warned the public against buying stolen motorcycles, saying anyone caught with stolen property will face prosecution.