Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command, have arrested five suspects linked to a counterfeit currency network known as “Sai Malam,” the command confirmed on Thursday.
According to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer of Illela Division transferred three of the suspects—Muhd Hamidu, Umar Hassan, and Sadik Isah—to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Intelligence also led to the arrest of two other suspects, Buhari Abubakar and Kasimu Muhammad, in Sokoto metropolis. The police recovered counterfeit currency and fetish items reportedly used in the illegal operation.
In a separate operation on March 10, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded to a distress call about suspected members of the outlawed Yan Sakai group in Dakalo village, Dange Shuni Local Government Area.
The group, allegedly led by Sani Nabuzuwa, is suspected of culpable homicide and cattle rustling. “On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire but were subdued by the tactical team and fled into a nearby forest,” the statement said.
Recovered items at the scene included a fabricated AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 11 rounds of live ammunition, 180 sheep suspected to have been stolen, and a Kasea motorcycle.
The Sokoto State Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing, as officers work to dismantle the network and bring all perpetrators to justice.
