Deputy chief Imam arrested over alleged collaboration with bandits
Story by Susan Mbamah
Security operatives in Sokoto State have arrested Sirajo Ahmad Dan Liman, the Deputy Chief Imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye, over allegations of collaborating with armed bandits.
Dan Liman, a well-known figure in the Atakwanyo Ward of Gwadabawa Local Government Area, is accused of supplying motorcycles and other critical items to criminal gangs operating along the Tangaza-Niger Republic border.
Sources told News Point Nigeria that intelligence-led investigations linked Sirajo to these gangs, which are notorious for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and cross-border smuggling.
During the arrest, security officials uncovered ₦47 million in his bank account, which is believed to be proceeds from his illegal dealings with the bandits.
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Beyond his religious duties, Sirajo holds significant political influence. He serves as the ward chairman for a political party in Atakwanyo and is the secretary for the forum of political party chairmen in the Gwadabawa LGA.
In the mosque, he was a familiar face, often delivering sermons during Ramadan and deputizing for his father, the Chief Imam, during Friday prayers.
Authorities say the arrest is part of a broader crackdown on the financial and logistical networks supporting bandit groups.
“We are targeting the financial and logistical backbone of these criminal networks,” a security source told News Point Nigeria. “Without funds, fuel, and transport, their operations will crumble.”
The arrest is considered a major breakthrough, as it not only exposes a direct link to the bandits but also highlights the extent to which criminal groups have infiltrated religious and political structures within the community.
Motorcycles are a key asset for these armed groups, allowing them to navigate challenging terrain and evade security forces. For years, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states have been grappling with waves of bandit attacks, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
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Security experts emphasise that cutting off these financial and logistical lifelines is crucial to dismantling the gangs for good.
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