The suspect was apprehended by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a tactical operation in Julirkol Village, located in the Silame Local Government Area, following credible intelligence from local informants.

Operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have arrested a suspected member of the deadly Lakurawa bandits syndicate, identified as Buba Magaji, and recovered an AK-49 rifle loaded with ammunition.

The suspect was apprehended by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a tactical operation in Julirkol Village, located in the Silame Local Government Area, following credible intelligence from local informants.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, who confirmed the development on Thursday, described the arrest as a major victory in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West state.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the police said Magaji was captured based on a specific tip-off that identified him as a key associate of the Lakurawa bandit network — a gang notorious for launching deadly attacks across Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo local government areas.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being actively involved in multiple criminal operations perpetrated by the syndicate,” the police statement said.

“He further disclosed the exact location where he had concealed a high-powered AK-49 assault rifle, leading operatives to a bush path along the Silame axis, where the weapon, a magazine, and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.”

CP Musa hailed the operation as a “significant breakthrough” in the command’s ongoing counter-insurgency drive, crediting the success to timely intelligence and sustained collaboration between security agencies and residents.

“This arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of actionable intelligence and the commitment of our anti-kidnapping unit,” he said. 

“It sends a clear message that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Sokoto State.”

The commissioner also praised community members for their vigilance, noting that public cooperation remains a vital tool in dismantling terror cells and criminal gangs.

He urged residents to continue working with the police by providing timely information and pledged that the command would intensify efforts to root out all forms of criminality.