The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected terror financier and intercepted stolen cattle in a renewed crackdown on banditry and criminal networks across the state.
The suspect, identified as Aminu Mai Roba, was apprehended along the Ruwa Wuri–Tangaza Road while transporting four cows allegedly linked to Lakurawa terrorist group operating in Tangaza Local Government Area.
The Sokoto state commissioner of police Hayyatu Shaffa disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence, leading operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to trail and intercept the suspect.
He said that the suspect e confirmed receiving the cattle from the Lakurawa terrorist group with instructions to sell them and remit the proceeds to the network.
The recovered livestock has been registered as exhibits, while investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider financing chain supporting banditry in the state.
The development was part of a broader operational update presented during a press briefing by the Command, which highlighted recent gains in the fight against violent crime.
The CP noted that the Command’s intensified operations align with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, particularly on proactive policing, discipline, and coordinated raids on criminal hideouts.
He said the Command has strengthened collaboration with the military, community guards, and vigilante groups, resulting in significant breakthroughs.
“Among the successes recorded was the repelling of a bandit attack on Kwarengamba and Gayya da Kwari villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area on April 8, 2026. Police tactical teams, working with other security operatives, engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds”
“During the pursuit, the fleeing bandits abandoned a sack containing 167 rounds of live ammunition, which were recovered by security operatives.”
In a separate operation on April 15, 2026, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out coordinated raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Dogon Daji (Tambuwal LGA), Mallamawa (Kware LGA), and Giyawa (Goronyo LGA), leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Shaffa said Items recovered during the raid included seven locally made Dane guns, an AK-47 magazine, a military uniform, cutlasses, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and the suspects have since been charged in court.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, the Commissioner assured residents that the police remain resolute and strategically positioned to tackle all forms of criminality in the state.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that confidentiality would be guaranteed.
“The Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and community policing efforts to ensure that no criminal element finds safe haven in Sokoto State”
