The Sokoto State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against criminal networks, with the arrest of suspected bandit financiers and the dismantling of a motorcycle theft ring in coordinated operations this week.
Bandit Financiers Apprehended in Tangaza
In a major operation on December 3, 2025, police officers raided the Tangaza Local Government Area. According to a statement released on December 5 by the command's spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, three men were taken into custody for allegedly acting as the financial backbone for a notorious bandit group.
The suspects, identified as Ruwa Ginyo, described as the Fulani head of Gidan-Madi, and two accomplices, were accused of helping the bandits sell rustled cattle. During the raid, law enforcement agents recovered four stolen cows.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, characterized the arrests as a critical strike against the "financial engine room" that sustains bandit activities. He emphasized that cutting off these funding streams represents a major victory for security forces in the region.
Motorcycle Theft Syndicate Busted in Zamfara Raid
Building on the momentum from the Sokoto arrests, the Command's Strike Force extended its operation across state lines. Hours later, they conducted a raid in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, targeting a syndicate specialized in stealing and reselling motorcycles.
Several individuals linked to the criminal network were arrested. The police successfully recovered two motorcycles that had been stolen from Sokoto State, demonstrating the cross-border nature of the syndicate's operations.
Commissioner Musa stated that this dual operation underscores the police's expanding operational reach and sent a strong warning to criminals. "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 declared.
Police Call for Sustained Public Cooperation
Following the successful operations, Commissioner Ahmed Musa appealed to the public, especially livestock dealers and motorcycle traders, to play a more active role in security. He urged them to meticulously verify ownership documents before any transaction and to report suspicious activities to the authorities without delay.
He stressed that community support remains the most vital asset in the ongoing security efforts. "Public cooperation remains our strongest asset. Every credible tip brings us closer to making our communities safer," Musa affirmed.
The operations highlight a determined push by the Sokoto State Police Command to disrupt criminal logistics and financing, marking a proactive step in addressing security challenges in Nigeria's northwestern region.
