Police foil suspected bandit attack in Sokoto, kill one attacker

Police in Sokoto State have foiled a suspected bandit attack on Daraye village in Wamako Local Government Area, killing one suspected attacker and recovering an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition.

The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday after security agencies received a distress call that a large group of armed bandits had entered the community.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the report was received at about 1:35 am on July 4.

Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams were immediately deployed to support personnel at the Wamako Divisional Headquarters.

“Upon arrival, the team aggressively engaged the assailants in a fierce and prolonged gun duel. Demonstrating superior tactical proficiency, the operatives successfully overpowered the bandits, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray into the forest, with several bullet wounds,” the statement said.

Police added that a search of the surrounding bushes later led to the killing of one suspected bandit.

Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition from the suspect.

The command said it has stepped up confidence-building patrols in the area to reassure residents and prevent further attacks. It also said nearby police divisions have been placed on alert to intercept any fleeing suspects who may seek medical treatment.

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the officers for their bravery during the operation.

Shaffa assured residents that the police would continue working with other security agencies to maintain pressure on criminal groups until peace is fully restored across the state.