From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandit financiers in Tangaza Local Government Area and recovered rustled cattle in two coordinated operations carried out on Wednesday.
The Command said the operations—executed within Sokoto State and in neighbouring Zamfara—were part of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal financing networks and clamp down on cross-border theft syndicates.
According to the police, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit attached to the Criminal Investigation Department acted on credible intelligence and stormed Tangaza LGA around 2pm, leading to the arrest of one Ruwa Ginyo, the Fulani Head of Gidan-Madi, alongside two others.
Investigations showed that the suspects allegedly serve as brokers and financiers for a notorious bandit group by receiving rustled cattle, selling them in markets, and remitting proceeds to armed bandits.
Four rustled cows were recovered during the arrest as the suspects attempted to sell them. Police said the men have already confessed, and further investigation is ongoing.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Strike Force launched a targeted investigation in Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara State around 5pm, arresting several suspects linked to criminal conspiracy, motorcycle theft, and receiving stolen property.
Two suspected stolen motorcycles were recovered in the operation, which the police described as part of a coordinated cross-border crackdown. Preliminary findings confirmed that the recovered items are tied to an active case.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said all suspects are currently in detention, adding that efforts are underway to dismantle the wider networks behind the crimes.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, commended the officers for what he described as “parallel successes that strike at the financial and logistical backbone of crime.”
“These operations underscore our resolve to go after the financiers of banditry within our borders, and to also collaborate with neighbouring commands to pursue criminal networks beyond them,” he said.
He urged residents—especially livestock and motorcycle dealers—to conduct due diligence before transactions and always demand verifiable proof of ownership.
“The public remains a vital partner. Timely information helps us prevent crime and protect communities. All reports will be treated confidentially,” the CP added.