Sokoto police arrest suspected livestock thief with alleged stolen goat

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected bandit allegedly involved in livestock theft in Gidan Madi, Tangaza Local Government Area. The suspect was arrested at a market while allegedly in possession of a goat. Police said the animal was later identified by its owner as one of those stolen from the community.

The command’s public relations officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the arrest in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the victim also recognised the suspect as one of those allegedly involved in the theft. According to Rufai, the suspect and his alleged accomplices went to Jurelku, a village in Gidan Madi, on September 15, where they allegedly took the victim’s animals.

The suspect was subsequently located at the market with one of the goats. “The owner identified the goat and also identified the suspect and his colleagues who came to Jurelku,” Rufai said. He added that the suspect was in custody and providing information to investigators.

The police spokesman said information obtained from the suspect could help the command track down other members of the alleged group. He did not disclose the suspect’s name or say whether charges had been filed. The arrest remains an allegation, and the suspect has not been convicted by a court.

Police said their investigation was continuing. Rufai did not provide further details about the number of animals allegedly stolen, the market where the arrest occurred or whether any other suspects had been detained. The command’s account linked the case to the reported theft at Jurelku on September 15.