Police Arrest Four in Counterfeit Syndicate, Rescue Victims

The Nigerian Police Force in Sokoto State arrested four suspects associated with a counterfeit syndicate and rescued two kidnap victims during separate operations. The arrests occurred on May 19, 2023, in the Mana area of Sokoto metropolis, following intelligence-led raids.

The suspects, identified as Saifullahi Aminu, Ahmad Sarkin, Muhammadu Lawali, and Usama Muhammad, were found with fake CFA currency, counterfeit US dollars, naira notes, charms, fake gold stones, SIM cards, ATM cards, and a magic box used to produce fake money. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to deceiving victims through a scheme involving fake currency and magic tricks.

In a separate operation on May 20, police, in collaboration with military personnel, engaged bandits in a gun duel in Jareedi Village, Binji Local Government Area, rescuing two residents, Umar Faruku (30) and Husa Abdullahi (52), who had been abducted. The victims sustained minor injuries and were treated at a hospital.