Police foil cattle rustling in Sokoto, recover AK-47, ammunition, stolen livestock

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Police Command has successfully foiled a cattle rustling operation in Goronyo Local Government Area, recovering a high-powered firearm, ammunition and stolen livestock following a swift, intelligence-driven operation.

According to a statement issued by the Command, the operation was carried out on Saturday, February 1, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., after the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) received a credible distress call reporting the rustling of several sheep by armed suspects in Tajaye Village, Goronyo LGA.

Acting promptly on the information, detectives from the Anti Kidnapping Unit, working in conjunction with operatives of the Salame Division, mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated tracking exercise.

Police investigations traced the suspects and the stolen animals to the outskirts of Kola Village in neighbouring Gwadabawa Local Government Area, where the suspects were eventually confronted by the advancing security team.

On sighting the police and their allies which included members of the Community Guard Watch and local vigilante groups the suspects reportedly opened fire in an attempt to escape.

However, the combined security team, leveraging superior tactical coordination and firepower, overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds, abandoning both their weapons and stolen loot.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one loaded magazine, and 24 rounds of live ammunition, along with all the rustled livestock, which were immediately returned to their rightful owners.

Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Ahmed Musa, psc, praised the bravery, professionalism and dedication of the officers involved, as well as the crucial support provided by community-based security outfits.

The Commissioner noted that the success of the operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in the fight against crime.

CP Musa further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, who are believed to be receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, assuring residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He also acknowledged the unnamed community members whose timely distress call triggered the swift police response, describing public cooperation as a vital pillar of effective policing.

The Police Command urged residents of the Caliphate to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies, stressing that all tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities or persons through the Command’s emergency lines.
Control Room: 08026451719
PPRO: 08032861946

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