Following a swift and intelligence-driven operation, the Sokoto State Police Command have foiled a cattle rustling operation in Goronyo Local Government Area and recovered firearm, ammunition and stolen livestock.
A statement issued by the command on Tuesday explained that the operation took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., following a credible distressed call received by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) about the rustling of several sheep by armed suspects in Tajaye Village, Goronyo LGA.
The detectives, acting on the information received from the Anti Kidnapping Unit, working in conjunction with operatives of the Salame Division, mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated tracking exercise.
Police investigations traced the suspects and the stolen animals to the outskirts of Kola Village in neighbouring Gwadabawa Local Government Area, where the suspects were eventually confronted by the advancing security team.
The suspects reportedly opened fire in an attempt to escape on sighting the police and their allies which included members of the Community Guard Watch and local vigilante groups.
The criminals abandoned both their weapons and stolen loot when the combined security team, leveraging superior tactical coordination and firepower overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
The rustled livestock were immediately returned to their rightful owners after a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one loaded magazine, and 24 rounds of live ammunition.
The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Ahmed Musa, while commenting on the operation, hailed the bravery, professionalism and dedication of the officers involved, as well as the crucial support provided by community-based security outfits.
He said the success of the operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in the fight against crime, saying that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, who are believed to be receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
He assured residents that the command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities or persons through the command’s emergency lines.
Control Room: 08026451719
PPRO: 08032861946
