Sokoto State Police Command

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND IMPOUNDS 32 VEHICLES, ACTIVATES MOBILE COURT TO ENFORCE IGP’S DIRECTIVE ON PLATE NUMBERS

In strict compliance with the earlier directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc (+), NPM, on cracking down on vehicles without plate numbers, covered plate numbers, and other related traffic offenses, the Sokoto State Police Command today impounded a total of 32 vehicles in a coordinated enforcement operation across the state capital.

To give immediate legal effect to the exercise and serve as a strong deterrent to violators, the Command simultaneously activated a mobile court, which was presided over by Chief Magistrate Isah Idris Marafa. The court swiftly prosecuted several offenders, handing down fines and penalties in line with the relevant provisions of the law.

Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, personally supervised the operation and addressed journalists following the court session. He emphasized that the IGP’s directive is aimed at enhancing national security, reducing vehicular crimes, and restoring sanity on Nigerian roads.

“Vehicles without proper identification, including those with covered or defaced plate numbers, have become tools for criminal elements. This enforcement is non-negotiable,” CP Shaffa stated. “I call on the good people of the Caliphate to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with the police in this exercise to sanitize our roads. Let no one mistake our resolve this is about the safety of all.”

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the crackdown would continue in earnest across all local government areas of the state until full compliance is achieved. He also advised vehicle owners who have not yet obtained proper registration or renewed their number plates to do so without delay.

The mobile court is expected to sit regularly as part of the Command’s ongoing enforcement strategy.

Signed:
Dsp Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Command
June 15, 2026

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

CP Sokoto Holds Strategic Conference with Area Commanders, DPOs, VCRU Commanders, and HODs, Emphasises Professionalism

Today, 13th June 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, convened a strategic meeting with key officers of the Command. He briefed them on the outcomes of the recently concluded Senior Officers’ Conference with the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters.

During the meeting, the CP directed officers to maintain the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties and consistently project a positive image of the Nigeria Police Force. He warned against any conduct capable of tarnishing the Force's reputation and urged officers to remain committed to upholding its integrity and to “keep the flag flying.”

He further charged officers to ensure effective supervision of their subordinates, strengthen community partnerships at all levels, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and promote intelligence-led investigations and policing through robust collaboration.

The CP also relayed the Inspector-General of Police's directives regarding the apprehension of vehicles without number plates or with covered number plates, ensuring thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of such cases in court.

He warned officers to be proactive and guarantee adequate security across the state. He directed them to take the fight to criminal enclaves and avoid complacency, especially during the rainy season when criminal elements often exploit environmental conditions to perpetrate crime.

Finally, the CP commended officers for their hard work and dedication in ensuring safety, maintaining law and order, and protecting lives and property. He encouraged them to do more, urging them to remain civil, professional, and respectful in their duties. He emphasised strict adherence to human rights, including the protection of the rights of suspects under investigation. He also warned them to maintain a high standard of discipline and constantly remind their personnel of the rules governing the use of fi****ms, in line with Force Order 237.

DSP Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command
13th June 2026.

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

SOKOTO POLICE COMMAND WILL BEGIN ENFORCEMENT AGAINST UNREGISTERED VEHICLES AND CONCEALED NUMBER PLATES

The Sokoto State Police Command hereby notifies members of the public that it will commence the enforcement of regulations against vehicles operating without registration number plates, as well as those displaying concealed, altered, defaced, or otherwise obscured number plates across the State.

This enforcement action is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety, enhance intelligence-led policing, and prevent the use of unidentifiable vehicles in the commission of crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command's commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the State. He emphasized that the exercise is aimed at enhancing public security and ensuring compliance with extant laws and regulations, rather than inconveniencing law-abiding citizens.

The Commissioner of Police therefore urges all vehicle owners and operators to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and fitted with approved registration number plates. Owners of vehicles with covered, altered, defaced, or obscured number plates are advised to regularize their vehicles without delay to avoid prosecution and other legal sanctions.

The Command assures members of the public that the enforcement exercise will be conducted professionally, transparently, and in strict compliance with the law. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with police personnel and other relevant agencies to ensure the success of the operation.

The Sokoto State Police Command remains steadfast in its mandate of protecting lives and property and calls on all road users to comply with this directive and other traffic regulations in the collective interest of public safety, law and order, and national security.

DSP AhmadRufa'i, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Sokoto State Command

13th June, 2026

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

FOILED BANDITS ATTACK: THREE SUSPECTED BANDITS NEUTRALIZED, ONE AK47 RIFLE AND AMMUNITIONS RECOVERED IN BODINGA LGA

In line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+) NPM, to sustain the fight against violent crime across the nation and in a bid to checkmate the activities of banditry in the state, the Command wishes to state the following success: the swift mobilization, professional engagement, and subsequent neutralization of three bandits with recovery of their weapon and ammunition, which has significantly degraded the criminal capabilities in Bodinga LGA and its environs.

In a decisive response to a distress call, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully repelled an armed bandit attack on Bodinga Village, in Bodinga Local Government Area, late Wednesday night.

At about 23:00 hours on June 10, 2026, a distress call was received reporting that a large number of armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, were attacking the village. In an immediate reaction, the joint team was mobilized to the scene.

Upon arrival, operatives courageously engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. The superior firepower and tactical advantage of the security forces overwhelmed the bandits, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

A thorough combing of the bushes and the immediate vicinity led to the discovery of three neutralized bandits. Recovered from the neutralized suspects were:

· One (1) AK47 rifle
· One (1) magazine containing twenty-five (25) rounds of live ammunition

No civilian or security force casualties have been recorded in the operation.

A confidence-building patrol is currently ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of residents and prevent any further threats. Meanwhile, all neighboring divisions have been placed on high alert and directed to be on the lookout for any injured hoodlums fleeing the scene.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, hereby pleads with members of the public, especially residents of Bodinga LGA and surrounding communities, to report any suspicious persons or individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security post.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

DSP Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command
11 June, 2026.

PPRO & PHOTOGRAPHER
SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE SEEKS SULTAN’S BLESSINGS, PLEDGES STRONGER TIES WITH TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION

The newly posted Commissioner of Police for the Sokoto State Command, Cp Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips, has paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, at his palace in Sokoto.

The CP, accompanied by his management team, used the visit to formally announce his assumption of duty as the new head of the Command. In a show of deference to the revered traditional institution, the Commissioner also sought the Royal Father’s blessings and guidance as he assumes leadership of security operations in the state.

During the visit, the Commissioner assured the Sultan of his commitment to fostering a robust synergy between the Police Force and the traditional institution, acknowledging the critical role royal fathers play in grassroots intelligence gathering and community policing.

In his response, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, warmly welcomed the new Commissioner and his entourage. The Royal Father charged the CP to work closely and continuously with traditional rulers across the state. He emphasized that leveraging the intelligence and reach of the traditional institution is essential to tackling the evolving security challenges in Sokoto and the nation at large.

“Security is a collective responsibility. The traditional rulers are closer to the people; they know the terrain, the families, and the movements. Work hand-in-hand with them to gather actionable information that will help secure the state,” the Sultan stated.

The meeting, which underscored the strong bond between the Police Command and the Sultanate Council, ended on a cordial note with the Commissioner and his team joining His Eminence for a group photograph.

Dsp Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Police Command
4th June, 2026

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

AGAIN VCRU AND ANTI-KIDNAPPING OPERATIVES FOIL BANDIT ATTACK, RECOVER 25 RUSTLED CATTLE IN TURETA LGA

The Violence Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully repelled an armed bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village, a remote hamlet bordering Zamfara State within Tureta Local Government Area. All 25 cattle rustled during the assault were recovered, and no casualties were reported.

On June 2, 2026, at about 14:00 hours, a distress call was received that a large number of armed bandits had invaded Imasa Matankari village. The assailants fired sporadically and rustled 25 cows belonging to local villagers.

Upon receipt of the information, OC VCRU, who was on heightened alert, immediately mobilized combined teams from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB). Security forces quickly blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel.

After a fierce exchange, the operatives overpowered the hoodlums, forcing them to flee through the nearby Kuruwa Forest. In their hasty retreat, the bandits abandoned all the stolen animals. All 25 rustled cows were recovered in full and have since been returned to their rightful owners.

Security forces have maintained an active vigilance posture in the area and are continuing search operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to aid in the fight against banditry and kidnapping.

Dsp Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Command

3rd June,2026

SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

Police Arrest Drug Baron, Recover Hard Drugs; Foil Bandits’ Attack and Recover Rustled Cattle

The Sokoto State Police Command has announced two major operational successes: the arrest of a suspected drug baron with a large consignment of hard drugs, and the foiling of a coordinated bandit attack, with recovery of rustled livestock and arrest of a suspect.

On May 27, 2026, at about 7:00 PM, Police patrol team attached to Bado Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road, intercepted two men riding an unregistered Daylong motorcycle. The suspects, who exhibited suspicious behaviour, were identified as Ummaru Abubakar Gugare, 'M', and one Ummaru (surname unknown), 'M', (now at large). Both hail from Bagarawa, Bodinga Local Government Area.

Upon searching the suspects, the patrol team discovered a heavy sack containing a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian H**p, as well as ten (10) rubber containers packed with Axzol Tab, Benthexol Tablets B.P 5mg, and a large quantity of D5 Tablets all classified as controlled hard drugs. Ummaru Abubakar Gugare was promptly arrested, while the second suspect, identified only as Ummaru, escaped. All exhibits have been taken into custody, and a manhunt is underway.

Similarly, On May 30th, 2026, at about 3:00 AM, a distress call was received that armed bandits in large numbers had invaded Zabori Village, Tambaranga Village, and Gidan Yero Village – all in Wamakko Local Government Area, bordering Tangaza LGA. The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit was immediately mobilized, strategically blocking the bandits’ exit route at Abdalo Forest in Gwadabawa LGA and engaging them in a fierce gun duel.

Due to the superior firepower of the police team, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into a nearby forest, many with bullet wounds. One suspect, Musa Usman, 'M', of Damba Village, Illela Local Government Area, was arrested. Recovered from the suspects include eleven (11) cows and five (5) sheep, all taken into police custody for identification and return to rightful owners. Efforts are on top gear to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits. Both cases are under investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command,Cp Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips while commending the vigilance of the Bado Division patrol team and the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of illicit substances and drug trafficking networks, as well as banditry and cattle rustling.

He further stated: “These successes are significant blows to criminal cartels operating in our state whether drug barons or armed bandits. However, the fight against drug abuse, trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling requires collective effort. I call on the good people of the Caliphate to continue supporting the Police with credible, timely, and actionable intelligence. Citizens are urged to report any information on the fleeing suspect from the drug operation, or any person(s) with fresh bullet wounds or suspicious livestock transactions. Together, we will dismantle every criminal network threatening our peace and security.”

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and to contact the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines with any useful information. All informants will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Command Hotlines
☎️ 08026451719
☎️ 08032861946

Dsp Ahmad Rufai, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Command

2nd June, 2026

CP and PPRO Sokoto Command