The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits, an informant, and a suspected drug supplier following a successful raid on a criminal hideout in Kware Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out on October 4 by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, was based on credible intelligence about a five-man gang notorious for terrorising communities in Wamako and Kware areas.
During the raid at the suspects’ camp in Sabon Birni, Kware LGA, police arrested Bubale Mohammed and two accomplices, along with an informant and a suspected drug dealer believed to have supplied the gang with hard drugs.
Items recovered from the hideout included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with other illicit substances. In addition, police retrieved video clips from the suspects’ phones showing them dressed in military uniforms and brandishing rifles inside their camp, suggesting a high level of preparedness for criminal activity.
A police source confirmed that the operation was meticulously planned to prevent escape and to dismantle the gang’s network. “The suspects had been on our radar for some time due to their involvement in kidnapping and other violent crimes in the area. The arrest of these individuals is a significant blow to their operations,” the source said.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang, who are currently at large. Authorities warned residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Sokoto State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Investigators are expected to interrogate the arrested suspects to uncover the gang’s network, sources of arms and drugs, and any connections to other criminal groups in the region.
Police officials reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and curbing criminal activities across Sokoto State. Joint operations involving the police, vigilante groups, and community leaders are reportedly being intensified to prevent the resurgence of bandit activities in the affected communities.
Residents of Kware and surrounding areas have expressed relief over the operation, noting that the gang had caused widespread fear and insecurity in recent months. Community leaders commended the police for acting on intelligence and successfully neutralising a major threat to local safety.
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This operation underscores the Sokoto State Police Command’s ongoing strategy to tackle banditry and criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and swift enforcement action.
Authorities have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of other gang members to come forward and assist law enforcement in bringing the criminals to justice.
The arrested suspects remain in police custody as the investigation continues. The command has assured that they will face prosecution in accordance with the law once the investigation is complete.