Police catch six suspects, recover stolen goods in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police have arrested six suspected members of gangs involved in burglary, theft, and receiving stolen items during different operations across the state.

The operations were led by the police’s Strike Force. They also recovered stolen motorcycles, a sewing machine, and several mobile phones. Police are working hard to catch other suspects who are still on the run.

In a statement on Monday from the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the first operation started after a complaint from a resident of Rumbukawa, Mahadi Abubakar. His house was broken into on July 24.

The thieves stole a sewing machine, a power bank, 13 mobile phones of different brands, and ₦50,750 in cash.

The statement said, “Detectives tracked and arrested one Anas Bello while he was trying to sell the stolen sewing machine at the Sokoto Central Market.

“His arrest led to the capture of Bello Sambo, who had three stolen phones. Another suspect, Murtala Sambo, was later caught with a recovered Realme phone.”

Police mentioned that two other suspects, Kabiru, known as Alhaji, and Muji, are still at large.

In another operation, the Strike Force arrested three suspects for stealing three motorcycles from homes in the Alkammawa area on August 2.

“The suspects, identified as Mubarak Nasiru, known as Dan Bahago; Muh’d Bello, called Malaga; and Ismail Aminu, known as Anda, confessed to the crime along with other accomplices who are still missing,” the statement noted.

Police said investigations showed that several members of the gang helped in selling the stolen motorcycles, while another suspect was involved as the buyer.

“Two of the stolen motorcycles have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to find the last one and catch the other suspects,” it added.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hassan Shaffa, praised the Strike Force for their successful operations. He said these arrests show the command’s commitment to fighting crime in the state.

“These arrests clearly show our commitment to rid Sokoto State of criminals who target innocent people. The Strike Force has once again shown that crime does not pay. We will keep pursuing those who are still running until they are all caught,” the commissioner said.

Shaffa warned criminals and their partners to stop illegal activities or face prosecution. He added, “We will not rest until every stolen item is recovered and every criminal is held accountable.”

He also urged residents to stay alert and work with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activity. He assured the public that all information would be kept confidential.