The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended a suspected member of the notorious Lakurawa bandit group, recovering an AK-49 rifle and 22 rounds of live ammunition during a targeted operation.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Musa, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai.
According to the statement, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested the suspect, Buba Magaji, a native of Julirkol Village in Silame Local Government Area, on Sunday following credible intelligence.
“Magaji was taken into custody after he was confirmed to be a close ally of the Lakurawa bandit group, a network responsible for a string of violent crimes across several local councils in the state,” the statement noted.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to involvement in a number of the group’s criminal operations and led officers to the location where he had concealed the weapon.
“Acting on his disclosure, operatives combed a bush in the Silame axis on Wednesday and recovered an AK-49 rifle, a magazine, and 22 live rounds,” Musa said.
Describing the arrest as a significant stride in the crackdown on organised crime, the commissioner noted it directly disrupts the group’s operations in Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo local government areas.
“This operation reinforces the effectiveness of timely intelligence and underlines the commitment of our anti-kidnapping team. It deals a blow to a gang that has inflicted substantial harm on rural communities,” he added.
Musa commended local residents for the information that led to the arrest and encouraged continued cooperation with security agencies to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and related threats.
He reiterated the police command’s determination to restore calm and public safety across Sokoto State.