Sokoto Police issue alert over ₦40m bandit extortion demand

The Sokoto State Police Command has issued a high-level security alert for the Kebbe Local Government Area following threats from bandits. The criminal group has reportedly demanded a ₦40 million levy from the residents of Kebbe town and surrounding communities.

According to local reports, the bandits communicated their ultimatum through a telephone provided to the District Head, Mallam Lawal Labbo. The criminals have reportedly threatened to attack the community if the financial demand is not met, with some sources indicating an ultimatum extending to Sunday. There are concerns that the planned violence could coincide with the scheduled commissioning of a newly upgraded Juma’at Mosque in Kebbe.

DSP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that the command is on “red alert” and is working alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to address the threat. Local political figures have described the situation as grave, calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal governments to protect the residents.