Police in Sokoto have arrested alleged financiers of a notorious bandit group, alongside members of a motorcycle theft ring, in two coordinated operations stretching across Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesman, Ahmed Rufai, said three men were detained in Tangaza Local Government Area for allegedly helping to bankroll a bandit network by selling rustled cattle on its behalf.
Rufai named one of the suspects as Ruwa Ginyo, described as the Fulani head of Gidan-Madi, who was arrested alongside two accomplices. Four stolen cows were recovered during the raid.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, hailed the arrests as a significant breakthrough. “These suspects form part of the financial engine room that keeps bandits active. Cutting off their funding stream is a major victory,” he said.
Hours later, the Command’s Strike Force moved into Talata Mafara in Zamfara State, arresting several people alleged to be involved in a motorcycle theft and resale syndicate. Two motorcycles previously reported stolen in Sokoto were recovered.
Musa said the operations underscored the command’s widening reach and its determination to pursue offenders beyond state borders. “Our message is clear: if you commit a crime in Sokoto, we will find you — even if you run to another state. The era of criminals feeling safe across borders is over,” he said.
He urged residents — particularly livestock traders and motorcycle dealers — to verify ownership documents before completing transactions and to report suspicious behaviour promptly.
