Sokoto Police Arrest Alleged Bandit Financier, Recover Rustled Cattle, Stolen Motorcycles

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an alleged financier of banditry, alongside suspected motorcycle thieves, in a series of coordinated operations across Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara State.

In a statement on Friday, the Command said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed Gidan-Madi in Tangaza Local Government Area following credible intelligence on a suspected funding network for a notorious bandit gang. The raid led to the arrest of Ruwa Ginyo — identified as the Fulani head of the community — and two others.

According to police sources, the suspects allegedly acted as intermediaries who received rustled cattle, sold them in local markets and channelled the proceeds to armed bandit groups. Four rustled cows were recovered during the operation.

The trio reportedly confessed during interrogation, while investigations are ongoing.

In a separate operation, the Command’s Strike Force trailed a motorcycle theft syndicate into Talata Mafara in Zamfara State, where several suspects were arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy and possession of stolen property. Two motorcycles linked to an active investigation were also recovered.

Confirming the arrests, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa commended the operatives for their swift actions, noting that the dual operations “struck at both the financiers of banditry and the logistics chains sustaining criminal networks.”

“These successes reaffirm our commitment to dismantling criminal structures within and beyond our borders,” he added.

The Command urged residents, particularly livestock and motorcycle dealers, to verify ownership documents before transactions and to report suspicious activities. It assured that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.