The Sokoto State Police Command says it has stepped up its counter-banditry operations, successfully repelling armed attacks, recovering weapons, and arresting suspected collaborators across several parts of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Shaffa, made this known on Friday during a briefing at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto, where he highlighted recent security achievements and ongoing tactical deployments.

Sha deffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminality, saying security forces remain alert and strategically positioned to respond to threats across the state.

According to him, a joint operation involving the police, military, and local vigilantes foiled an attack on Kwarangamba and Gaya communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area on April 8.

The attackers were engaged in a gunfight and eventually forced to withdraw after sustaining injuries.

He added that during the pursuit, the assailants abandoned a sack containing 167 rounds of ammunition, which was later recovered by security operatives.

In a separate series of coordinated raids carried out on April 15, police operatives stormed suspected criminal hideouts in Tambuwal, Kware, and Goronyo local government areas, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.

Items recovered during the raids included locally fabricated weapons, an AK-47 magazine, military-style camouflage clothing, and substances suspected to be cannabis.

The commissioner also disclosed the arrest of a suspected informant and logistics supplier for armed groups, identified as Aminu Meroba. He was intercepted along the Tangaza corridor with four cattle believed to have been stolen by a criminal gang.

Shaffa said the suspect allegedly admitted to receiving the livestock from a terrorist network with plans to sell them and remit the proceeds.

He confirmed that all arrested suspects have been charged to court, while investigations are still ongoing to track wider criminal networks.

Responding to concerns raised about insecurity in Achida and surrounding communities, as well as reported logistical challenges facing security personnel, Shaffa acknowledged the issues but assured that reinforcement had already begun.

He stated that additional tactical units had been deployed to vulnerable areas, describing the Achida axis as a current operational priority.

Shaffa also emphasised ongoing collaboration between the police, other security agencies, state authorities, and community leaders to strengthen security responses.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible intelligence to support security operations across the state.