Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Lagos, Nigeria — The Sokoto State Police Command has made significant breakthroughs in security operations, arresting five suspects linked to a sophisticated currency counterfeiting network and recovering an AKโ47 rifle, livestock, and other items connected to outlawed criminal groups. These operations highlight intensified efforts to tackle financial and violent crime across the northโwest region.
The arrests resulted from intelligenceโled operations combining the efforts of tactical units, antiโkidnapping teams, and divisional police stations, acting on credible tips from local communities. Police officials described the arrests and recoveries as part of a multi-pronged strategy to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety.
Investigators first targeted a suspected counterfeiting syndicate locally known as “Sai Malam,” believed to have circulated forged currency notes throughout Sokoto and neighbouring areas. Three men — Muhd Hamidu, Umar Hassan, and Sadik Isah — were apprehended in Illela Local Government Area and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and forensic analysis of the seized evidence.
Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Buhari Abubakar and Kasimu Muhd, in the Makera Asada area. Items recovered from all five suspects included counterfeit currency and materials believed to aid the counterfeiting process. Authorities emphasized that such operations undermine the nation’s financial integrity and can enable other criminal activities.
In a separate operation on March 10, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to reports of the presence of suspected members of the outlawed Yan Sakai group in Dakalo Village, Dange-Shuni Local Government Area. Yan Sakai is known for violent attacks, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, and other criminal activities. As police approached, the suspects opened fire, forcing them to flee into nearby bushland. At the scene, officers recovered a fabricated AKโ47 rifle, a magazine with eleven live rounds, 180 sheep suspected to have been stolen, and a motorcycle used by the suspects. The fake rifle, though not genuine, posed a danger due to the presence of live ammunition.
In another development, officers from Arkilla Police Station arrested Auwal Sani of Yabo Local Government Area for impersonating a Mobile Police officer to unlawfully seize motorcycles. Sani admitted to snatching at least three motorcycles using this method. The recovered bike was returned, and police are working to apprehend his accomplice.
These operations come amid long-term insecurity in Sokoto and the wider northwest, where banditry, cattle rustling, and armed criminal groups have disrupted daily life, displaced communities, and challenged law enforcement. Armed groups have previously attacked villages, abducted residents, and disrupted livelihoods, prompting sustained counter-insurgency responses by police and military forces.
The recovery of weapons and livestock is particularly significant in an environment where illegal arms and stolen property are routinely used to fund criminal activity. Police officials assured the public that all arrested individuals will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted according to law. Authorities emphasized that maintaining public safety and economic stability requires sustained intelligence operations alongside strong community partnerships.
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