Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Police Command has struck a major blow to organized banditry, capturing a key member of the deadly Lakurawa bandit syndicate and seizing a powerful AK-49 assault rifle along with live ammunition.
The breakthrough comes amid escalating efforts to dismantle the criminal networks terrorizing northwestern Nigeria.
The suspect, Buba Magaji, was apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in a high-stakes operation conducted in Julirkol Village, located in the Silame Local Government Area.
Acting on solid intelligence, officers moved swiftly to capture the suspect without incident.
The arrest was confirmed in an official statement released by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai.
The CP hailed the operation as a significant victory in the ongoing campaign against armed violence and abduction.
Magaji, identified through actionable intelligence, is believed to be a close associate of the Lakurawa syndicate an infamous group behind a string of brutal attacks, kidnappings, and extortion across Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo local government areas.
According to Police investigators, Magaji confessed to playing a direct role in several attacks perpetrated by the group.
During interrogation, he revealed the exact location of a hidden weapon used in the gang’s operations, a rare AK-49 rifle concealed deep within the Silame forest axis.
Responding rapidly to the intel, operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit launched a meticulous search of the area.
Their efforts paid off with the successful recovery of the assault rifle, a fully loaded magazine, and 22 rounds of live ammunition—all now secured as evidence.
CP Musa praised the officers for their discipline and precision, emphasizing that such victories are made possible through efficient intelligence sharing and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
“This operation sends a loud message to criminals: we will find you, and we will dismantle your networks.
The recovered weapon was part of the tools used to terrorize peaceful communities. Its removal marks a significant step forward,” he said.
The Commissioner also recognized the critical role of vigilant residents whose tip-off set the entire operation in motion.
He called for continued public cooperation, stressing that collective vigilance is essential in defeating the forces threatening peace and security.
Reiterating the police command’s unwavering resolve, CP Musa assured Sokoto citizens that the war against kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality would be pursued with relentless force, until every threat is neutralized and every community secured.
