Police nab bandits’ collaborators, repel ambush in Sokoto, Zamfara
Security operatives in Sokoto and Zamfara states recorded major successes on Monday, February 2, 2026, as police arrested suspected bandits’ informants and financiers in Sokoto State and repelled an armed ambush by bandits in Zamfara State, sustaining only one injury.
In Sokoto State, the Police Command, in collaboration with the Community Guard, arrested three suspects linked to banditry activities and recovered seven rustled cows and a motorcycle during a late-night operation in Tangaza Local Government Area.
Sources said that at about 1:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence raided Sarma Village, where they arrested two suspects, Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18. The duo was found in possession of seven suspected stolen cows and an unregistered motorcycle.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that they were sent by two fleeing suspects, identified as Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, to deliver the rustled livestock to Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of Kara Area in Illela. Hamza was subsequently arrested by the police.
Further investigation revealed that Hamza had sold two of the cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, of Gwadabawa Local Government Area, who was also taken into custody.
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Police authorities confirmed that investigation is ongoing, adding that efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the remaining suspects who are currently at large.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, police officers successfully repelled an armed ambush by suspected bandits along the Gusau–Talata Mafara road, forcing the attackers to flee into the bush.
According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. as a police team led by DSP Ma’aji Ndagunu was returning from Gusau after transferring a case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) when they encountered the assailants at Kwanar Kirya village.
The officers reportedly engaged the bandits in a gun duel, compelling them to retreat, with indications that some of the attackers may have sustained gunshot injuries.
However, one officer, Inspector Jamilu Abdullahi, was hit on the right thigh during the exchange of fire and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara, where he is receiving medical treatment.
Reinforcements from the divisional headquarters and the Talata Mafara Area Command were promptly deployed to the scene, while security operatives are currently combing the surrounding areas to ensure the attackers are apprehended.
The police reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the two states, assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives, property, and livestock from banditry and related crimes.
By PRNigeria
