Sokoto Police Break Suspected Cattle-Rustling Financing Ring, Arrest Three Recover Stolen Livestock

Security operatives in Sokoto State have arrested three alleged collaborators of a cattle-rustling network and recovered four cows believed to have been taken in recent raids.

The suspects were apprehended on 3 December 2025 in Tangaza Local Government Area after they reportedly attempted to sell the livestock to unsuspecting buyers. One of those detained was identified as Ruwa Ginyo, the Fulani leader of the Gidan-Madi community.

Police sources revealed that the suspects were intercepted at about 14:00 hours while negotiating the sale of the stolen cattle.

Early findings from their interrogation indicate that they served as intermediaries for a notorious bandit faction operating across parts of northern Sokoto, helping them convert stolen livestock into cash.

Investigators say the men facilitated transactions by sourcing buyers, arranging discreet sales, and channeling a portion of the proceeds back to the armed group. All three suspects are said to have admitted to participating in the scheme, offering details that are now aiding authorities in expanding their probe.

The recovered animals have since been secured by the police, who have pledged to return them to their rightful owners once proper verification is completed.

Officers involved in the case emphasized that the arrests represent a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the financial backbone of rustling syndicates.

Security analysts note that the latest operation highlights the importance of targeting logistical partners — such as informants, negotiators, and illicit market brokers — who enable criminal groups to profit from stolen livestock.

According to them, weakening these networks disrupts the flow of funds that bandits rely on to sustain operations.

Community members in Tangaza and surrounding villages expressed relief over the development, calling for continued pressure on groups responsible for frequent raids.

They urged authorities to broaden investigations to ensure other accomplices are identified and prosecuted.

Police officials confirmed that inquiries remain active, with several additional leads under pursuit. The operation, they added, forms part of a renewed crackdown aimed at crippling the financial, logistical, and intelligence-sharing networks that fuel bandit activity across the region.