The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, over multiple cases of abduction, impersonation and sexual assault involving teenage girls.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the suspect, a resident of Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, was arrested on December 9, 2025, following reports of the abduction and rape of two girls aged 17 and 18.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly operated with a network of accomplices, using deception and intimidation to target young girls.
According to the commissioner, Annas Sani confessed during interrogation that he carried out the crimes with the assistance of three accomplices, identified as Mohammed, Adam Nura, also known as Willy, and Mubarak Yusuf, who are currently at large.
The police said the suspects allegedly posed as members of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade to lure victims to an office near Gidan Igwai, where the girls were reportedly threatened, restrained and sexually abused.
At least 28 victims have so far been identified, with some fleeing their homes out of fear, making it difficult for families to report the incidents promptly.
Items recovered from the suspect include a camouflage-style uniform and an identification card bearing his name, which police said was used to impersonate an authority figure.
The commissioner said investigations were ongoing and efforts had been intensified to arrest the remaining suspects, urging members of the public to provide information that could assist in tracking them down.
He added that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
