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The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two suspected bandit informants and terrorism financiers allegedly linked to criminal gangs operating in parts of the state, while also recovering 97 rustled livestock during separate security operations. The arrests and recoveries were confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i. 
According to the police, the suspects identified as Yahaya Kurma and Musa Lawali, both from Kurya Village in Rabah Local Government Area, were arrested on May 15 by operatives attached to the Unguwar Rogo Division alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Authorities said the duo had been on the police intelligence watchlist for allegedly serving as key informants and financial facilitators for bandit groups terrorising Rabah, Kware, and Wurno local government areas. 
Police further alleged that intelligence reports linked the suspects to the supply of narcotics and logistics support for armed gangs operating within the affected communities. Investigations into the network are said to be ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle bandit financing and support structures across Sokoto State. 
In a separate operation, security operatives reportedly foiled a bandit attack in Gimba Village, Binji Local Government Area, after armed men invaded the community and rustled livestock. Following a gun battle involving police tactical teams and soldiers from a nearby Army Forward Operating Base, the attackers reportedly fled into surrounding forests, abandoning 78 stolen cows. 
The command also disclosed that officers on patrol around the More area recovered 19 stolen sheep after tracing footprints from the scene of a theft to Badageni Village in Kware Local Government Area. Three suspects — Ibrahim Aliyu, Rabiatu Ibrahim, and Aisha Ibrahim — were arrested in connection with the case, while efforts continue to apprehend additional fleeing suspects. 
Reacting to the developments, Sokoto State Commissioner of Police Hayatu Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and related crimes. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to improve public safety and strengthen ongoing operations against criminal groups in the state. 
