By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced significant progress in its crime-fighting efforts, as multiple arrests were made and stolen items recovered following a series of raids and investigations.
Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Musa, stated that in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the command has implemented strategies to reduce crime to the barest minimum in 2025. These include analyzing security trends, mapping crime hotspots, and targeting criminal hideouts.
Major Arrests and Recoveries
- Raid in Tashar Illela and Sokoto Central Motor Park
The command’s strike force arrested three suspects—Aliyu Abubakar, Hassan Danjummai, and Hassan Abubakar, all from Kebbi State—during a raid on a criminal hideout.Recovered Items:
- A Toyota vehicle
- Dangerous weapons (cutlass, knife)
- Housebreaking tools (iron cutter, hack saws, wheel spanners)
- Nine motorcycle license plates
- Eight padlocks
The suspects confessed to stealing motorcycles in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger States and selling them to identified receivers, some of whom are now in police custody.
- Motorcycle Theft Cases
On December 26, 2024, a resident of Sokoto, Bello Bala Jamilu, reported his stolen Hajue UD motorcycle. Following investigations, Ibrahim Sanusi, alias “Wuji-Wuji,” a serial motorcycle thief, was arrested.Confessions and Recoveries:
- Stolen motorcycles sold to an accomplice, Alhaji Kabiru, who remains at large.
- Three motorcycles recovered from another receiver, Abdulhakeem Abdulazeez, alias “AK.”
- Transformer Vandalism
On December 28, 2024, three suspects—Abba Hassan, Aliyu Yau Muhammad, and Salisu Chiso—were arrested for vandalizing a transformer in Yabo LGA.Recovered Items:
- Transformer tools
- Armored cables and copper wires
- Hack saws, spanners, and pliers
The suspects admitted to selling the stolen items in Jega, Kebbi State.
- Aluminum Wire Theft in Shagari LGA
On December 30, 2024, vigilante members apprehended three teenagers with stolen aluminum conductor wires.Suspects and Confessions:
- Abu Umaru, Shafiu Shehu, and Usman Abdullahi admitted to previous acts of vandalism and named accomplices, some of whom remain at large.
- Shop Burglary in Sokoto Metropolis
On January 1, 2025, Aliyu Abubakar and two others reported an attack on their watchman. Police arrested the suspects—Muhammad Sani, alias “Inda,” and Abdullahi Tujjani—at the scene.Recovered Items and Confessions:
- Freezer compressors, trailer batteries, aluminum wires, and block engines.
- Suspects admitted to selling stolen goods to multiple receivers who are currently being pursued.
Commissioner Ahmad Musa reaffirmed the Sokoto Police Command’s commitment to combating crime. He urged citizens to cooperate by providing actionable information, promising swift police action.
“Gentlemen of the press, I appeal to the people of Sokoto State: if you see something, say something. The police are committed to immediate action. Our lines and those of the PPRO remain open for accessibility. Together, we can make our state safer,” the commissioner said.
The suspects in custody will be charged to court, while efforts continue to apprehend those still at large.
