Two Bandits Killed, 11 Suspects Arrested in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has killed two suspected bandits and arrested 11 suspects in separate operations targeting banditry, motorcycle theft and other crimes across the state. The operations, conducted between August 14 and 15, 2026, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 54 rounds of live ammunition, two magazines, a locally fabricated pistol and 14 stolen motorcycles. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. According to the command, security operatives responded to a distress call on August 15 over an attempted bandit attack on Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area. The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary, Rescue Unit and other tactical teams were deployed after reports that armed bandits were advancing from Tsauana Forest. The operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds. A subsequent search led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of ammunition, while two of the fleeing suspects were later killed.
Some of the arrested suspects. Photo credit: Police command
The police said no resident or security operative was killed in the operation. In a separate operation, three suspects allegedly linked to a motorcycle theft syndicate were arrested around Kwannawa and Tamaje areas of Sokoto metropolis. Five stolen motorcycles and a locally made pistol were recovered. The command also arrested other suspects allegedly involved in motorcycle theft, extortion, forgery and receiving stolen property following complaints from residents and community leaders. Further investigation led to the arrest of three alleged buyers of stolen motorcycles, while nine motorcycles were recovered in connection with the syndicate. The Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and bravery, assuring residents that the command would continue to pursue criminal networks across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while warning against purchasing stolen motorcycles and other property.
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