Security operatives in Sokoto State have arrested and charged a suspected bandit informant accused of helping criminal groups issue a ₦10 million demand to residents of Romo community in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Ashiru Abubakar from Gumfa Gebe village in Wamakko Local Government Area, was allegedly involved in providing information to bandits operating within the area.
According to reports, residents of Romo had received threats demanding the payment of ₦10 million or risk a violent attack by armed groups.
Confirming the development, Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the suspect was arrested during ongoing security operations targeting criminal networks and their collaborators.
He disclosed that Abubakar has already been charged to court, adding that investigations remain ongoing to identify other individuals who may have aided or facilitated criminal activities in the area.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns across parts of Sokoto State, particularly in Tambuwal and neighbouring communities, where residents have repeatedly complained about attacks, kidnappings and extortion by armed groups.
In recent months, community members have staged protests calling for increased security deployment and stronger intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity in the region.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to dismantling support networks that enable criminal gangs to operate, stressing that informants often play a critical role in the planning and execution of attacks.
Security agencies have urged residents to continue providing useful information that can assist ongoing operations against banditry and other forms of violent crime
