Good morning, everyone! It’s Friday, July 18, 2025, and we’ve got an update from Sokoto State that hints at a significant win in the ongoing battle against banditry.
Yesterday, the Sokoto State Police Force notched a victory against a prominent criminal syndicate known as the Lakurawa. Acting on crucial intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swooped in and apprehended a suspected member, Buba Magaji, in the village of Julirkol, located in the Silame Local Government Area.
But the story doesn’t stop there. This wasn’t just an arrest; it was a strike against the criminals’ arsenal. Police also recovered a formidable AK-49 rifle along with a loaded magazine and 22 rounds of live ammunition.
Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa confirmed the developments, sharing the details in a statement released yesterday through the command’s spokesperson, Ahmad Rufai. The statement revealed that Magaji was identified as a close associate of the Lakurawa network, a group widely blamed for wreaking havoc through violence and terror across various communities in Sokoto State, including Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo.
During interrogation, Magaji reportedly admitted to his involvement in a string of criminal activities linked to the Lakurawa syndicate. He then led officers to a concealed stash in the bush near the Silame axis, where the deadly AK-49 rifle was hidden. The police believe this weapon was actively used in the syndicate’s operations.
Commissioner Musa praised the operation, highlighting its success as proof that good intelligence is key. He also emphasized that this kind of targeted action directly disrupts the ability of criminal groups to inflict suffering on innocent communities. He recognized the critical role that local residents played, stating, “This wouldn’t have been possible without the vigilance and cooperation of local residents.”
The Sokoto State Police Command wants to make it clear: they are fully committed to ridding the state of kidnapping, armed banditry, and any other forms of crime that threaten the peace. They’re urging the public to stay vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
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