Police Bust Fake Currency Syndicate, Foil Bandits Attack, Rescue Hostages in Sokoto
The Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime following the arrest of suspected members of a counterfeiting syndicate and the rescue of two kidnapped victims in separate operations across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Command said operatives of its Strike Force Unit dismantled a notorious fraud syndicate linked to the “Sai Mallam” cult group during an intelligence-led raid carried out on May 19 in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence provided by a resident who reported suspicious activities at a house allegedly owned by one Yusufa Auditor, who is currently at large.
Police operatives reportedly arrested four suspects during the raid. They were identified as Saifullahi Aminu of Dallatu Road area, Ahmad Sarkin Aski of Mana area, Muhammadu Lawali, also known as Gunda, from Dange Shuni Local Government Area, and Usama Muhammad, alias Na’Ukada.
The Command disclosed that several counterfeit currencies and items suspected to be used for fraudulent activities were recovered from the premises.
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Recovered exhibits included fake CFA currencies, counterfeit United States dollar bills, forged ₦1,000 notes, ₦97,700 suspected proceeds of crime, charms, rings allegedly infused with magical substances, fake gold stones, SIM cards, a Moniepoint ATM card, a National Identity card, and a box allegedly used in producing fake currency.
Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired with another suspect, identified as Yanusa S. Aski, who remains at large, to defraud unsuspecting victims by falsely claiming they could multiply money through magical means.
In a separate operation on May 20, police operatives attached to Binji Police Station foiled a bandit attack and rescued two abducted victims in Jareedi Village, Binji Local Government Area.
The Command said armed bandits invaded the community late at night, shooting sporadically before abducting Umar Faruku, 30, and Husa Abdullahi, 52.
Following a distress call, security operatives, alongside personnel of the Army Forward Operating Base, reportedly launched a coordinated response, leading to a gun battle with the attackers.
The bandits were forced to flee into a nearby forest, abandoning the victims, who were rescued alive.
Police said one of the victims sustained a minor injury to his right leg and was treated and discharged from hospital, while security personnel have continued patrols in the area to forestall further attacks.
The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the bravery of the operatives involved in both operations and praised the citizen whose timely information aided the crackdown on the alleged counterfeit syndicate.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to combat cultism, kidnapping, banditry and other crimes across the state.
By PRNigeria
