The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the arrest of several individuals linked to illegal firearms possession and suspected terrorism activities in the state. This move is part of the ongoing efforts by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, to combat crime and enhance public safety in Sokoto.
In a statement released on Friday by the command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, the police revealed that their intelligence officers, working under the State Intelligence Department, apprehended five individuals involved in unlawful activities. Among the arrested suspects was Bello Ibrahim, also known as “Bello Currency,” alongside Alhaji Muhammad Danlato, Alhaji Abun Buhari, Alhaji Faruku Alhaji, and Abubakar Furniture. The arrests were made in connection with the illegal possession of firearms and suspected links to terrorist activities.
According to the police, Bello Ibrahim is believed to have sold fabricated revolvers to the other suspects, claiming they were for self-defense purposes. However, the firearms were found to be unregistered and lacked the necessary licenses, thus violating the Firearms Act. The suspects were arrested in a well-coordinated operation in the Tambuwal Local Government Area of the state.
The operation led to the recovery of several illegal firearms, including four rounds of LAR ammunition and one round of AK-47 ammunition. The police have said that the investigation is still ongoing to determine if the suspects are part of a larger criminal or terrorist network operating in the region.
In a related development, on April 23, 2025, police officers from the Tureta Police Station intercepted a suspect, identified as Yau Lawali from Yabawa Village, Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a routine stop-and-search operation, Lawali was found in possession of two locally fabricated guns and three rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
Additionally, on April 19, 2025, officers stationed at Kebbe Police Station arrested three men—Danagaji Bala, Sani Muhammad, and Danjuma—all from Dogon Marke Village. The trio was reportedly found with a locally made revolver and 19 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition. The police are currently holding all suspects in custody, and they are expected to face charges in court.
The Sokoto State Police Command highlighted that investigations are still ongoing to uncover any potential links to larger terrorist operations or criminal networks. Authorities are focusing on tracing any connections the suspects might have with other armed groups or illegal activities in the region.
CP Ahmed Musa, while announcing the arrests, reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Sokoto State. He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. The commissioner also called on citizens not to take matters into their own hands but to rely on the police and other security agencies to handle criminal activities effectively.
The police urged Sokoto residents to work together with security forces to prevent the spread of terrorism and criminal activities, assuring them that steps are being taken to root out illegal arms and those involved in terrorist activities in the state.
As the investigation progresses, the police have warned that anyone found to be involved in similar criminal acts, especially those related to terrorism or illegal possession of firearms, will face the full wrath of the law.
