According to the Sokoto State Police Command, 575 people were taken into custody for a variety of offenses around the state between January and December 2024. In a statement released on Wednesday, DSP Ahmed Rufai, the command’s spokesperson, revealed this. According to DSP Rufai, the arrests are a part of CP Ahmad Musa, the Commissioner of Police,’s commitment to maintaining justice, fairness, and accountability while guaranteeing citizens’ safety and security.
Although Sokoto is traditionally regarded as one of the most tranquil states, the statement recognized that recent issues with banditry and kidnapping have surfaced alongside other crimes like drug misuse, homicide, rape, vandalism, and motorcycle theft. “We have made significant efforts in reducing the aforementioned menace to the barest minimum,” said the statement. The command outlined its strategies, which included innovative approaches to tackle emerging security threats, fostering stronger community partnerships, and enhancing welfare and training programs for its officers.
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The police also focused on effective crime control, civil disorder management, and reducing fear of crime, utilizing intelligence-led policing, community policing, visibility policing, adherence to ethical standards, inter-agency cooperation, and respect for the rule of law. The command reported significant strides in arrests and recoveries.
Arrest Breakdown
The 575 suspects arrested include 51 for armed robbery, 51 for kidnapping, nine for rape, 129 for culpable homicide, 18 for attempted murder, 11 for causing grievous hurt, seven for unnatural offenses, six for terrorism, 90 for theft, five for housebreaking, 39 for cheating by trick, and 11 for receiving stolen properties.
Additionally, 61 were arrested for mischief by fire, eight for unlawful possession of firearms, 17 for disturbing public peace, seven for firearms offenses, 31 for property offenses, and 24 for offenses against persons. The command also reported the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun with six rounds of ammunition, nine AK47 rifles, three magazines and 341 rounds of ammunition, four locally made AK47 rifles with two rounds of ammunition, one locally made pistol, one Dane gun, three vehicles, a tanker truck, 97 rustled cows, 29 sheep, and one donkey.
They also recorded 27 rescued victims. The Sokoto State Government donated 34 Toyota Hilux vehicles and renovated the burnt offices at the administration department to improve the working environment for officers. The command also received a Toyota Hilux and five Hunter motorcycles from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, which were deployed to areas of need to enhance operational capability, aligning with the Inspector-General of Police’s Safer School Initiative. The command expanded and modernized operations in Gandi, Wurno, Tangaza, Durbawa, More, and Achida towns through raids and intelligence-led policing.
The Commissioner of Police wished the citizens of Sokoto State a Happy New Year, urging them to be law-abiding in 2025.
Source: Punch
