Police arrest four over vandalism, theft in Sokoto
July 29, 2026 10:32 pm
File. A Nigerian Policeman
The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested four suspects in separate operations involving alleged vandalism, theft and receiving stolen property, recovering a stolen motorcycle, copper wiring and 28 grinding machines worth millions of naira.
The arrests were made by the command’s Strike Force in a series of coordinated operations carried out between July 24 and July 29 across different parts of Sokoto metropolis.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, the first operation followed a complaint by Garba Ahmad of the Kwanni area, who reported that a suspect, Mustapha Umar, allegedly broke into the National Veterinary Research Institute in Kwanni through the ceiling and vandalised electrical installations.
The police said the suspect allegedly stole copper wiring, a submersible pump and garlic from the facility before he was tracked down and arrested by Strike Force operatives.
“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and disclosed that he conspired with another suspect, Aliyu, also of Kwanni area, to carry out the theft,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing.
In another operation on July 26, police recovered a stolen red Haojue UD motorcycle less than 24 hours after it was reportedly stolen from the Marina area.
The owner, Muhammed Tukur, had reported that unknown persons broke into his residence at about 4:00 a.m. and carted away the motorcycle.
Acting on intelligence, detectives stormed Raymond Village, where they arrested Bashar Ibrahim in possession of the motorcycle.
“The suspect willingly confessed to stealing the motorcycle from Marina area. Detectives visited the scene and confirmed that the recovered motorcycle belonged to the complainant,” the police stated.
The command also announced the arrest of two suspects linked to the theft of 91 grinding and rice milling machines.
The suspects, identified as Chidozie Chidi of the Tamaje area and Hamza Aliyu of the Mana area, were arrested on July 29 following an investigation by the Strike Force.
Police said 21 complete grinding machines and seven incomplete machines were recovered during the operation.
“The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations to determine the whereabouts of the remaining machines and identify other members of the syndicate,” the statement added.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, commended the Strike Force for its professionalism and swift response to criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain its crackdown on crime across the state.
“The Sokoto State Police Command maintains a zero-tolerance stance against criminality and will continue to deploy proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property,” Shaffa said.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain security conscious by safeguarding their belongings and promptly reporting suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
He assured residents that the command would continue working with communities to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Sokoto State.
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