(Suspected Drug Trafficker. Photo Credit: PRNigeria)
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug trafficker and seized a significant quantity of illegal substances, while also successfully repelling a bandit attack and recovering stolen livestock in two separate security operations.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, announced these developments in a statement released on Monday. According to him, the drug-related arrest occurred on May 27, when officers from the Bado Division conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road intercepted a man identified as Ummaru Abubakar Gugare.
He was riding an unregistered motorcycle with a second individual who managed to flee before he could be apprehended.
A search of the suspects yielded a sack containing substances believed to be Indian hemp, along with quantities of Axzol, Benthexol, and D5 tablets all classified as controlled substances.
The recovered items have been taken into custody, and efforts are underway to track down the suspect who escaped.
In a separate incident on May 30, operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call reporting an armed bandit invasion of Zabori, Tambaranga, and Gidan Yero villages in Wamakko Local Government Area.
The operatives moved swiftly to cut off the bandits’ escape route near Abdalo Forest in Gwadabawa Local Government Area, resulting in a gun battle.
The bandits eventually retreated into the forest after being overpowered, with reports indicating that some sustained gunshot injuries.
One suspect, named as Musa Usman from Damba Village in Illela Local Government Area, was caught during the operation.
Police also recovered 11 cows and five sheep believed to have been stolen by the bandits.
The animals are being held in custody pending identification and reunification with their rightful owners.
The Command confirmed that investigations into both incidents are continuing, with efforts intensified to arrest other individuals connected to the crimes.