Crackdown in Sokoto: Police Neutralise Bandit, Seize AK‑47 and Recover 137 Rustled Cattle
The Sokoto State Police Command has intensified its offensive against armed banditry, recording major operational successes with the neutralisation of a suspected bandit, recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the foiling of multiple attacks on rural communities, resulting in the recovery of 137 rustled cattle within one week.
The operations, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violence Crime Response Centre (VCRC) and other tactical teams, underscore ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across the state.
The latest breakthrough occurred in the early hours of July 4, when heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Daraye Village in Wamakko Local Government Area.
According to the Police, a distress call received at about 1:35 a.m. prompted the immediate deployment of operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, VCRC and other tactical teams to reinforce officers at the Wamakko Divisional Headquarters.
On reaching the scene, the security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce and prolonged gun battle, forcing the bandits to abandon their operation and flee into nearby forests with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the neutralisation of one suspected bandit, from whom operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police authorities said confidence-building patrols have since been intensified across the affected communities to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Neighbouring divisional headquarters have also been placed on high alert, with instructions to monitor health facilities and other locations for suspects seeking treatment for gunshot injuries.
The latest operation comes days after the Command recorded two other successful counter-banditry operations in Tureta Local Government Area, near the Zamfara State border.
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On June 28, armed bandits invaded Fura Kirke Village, firing indiscriminately and rustling livestock belonging to residents.
Responding swiftly, tactical teams strategically blocked the escape routes and engaged the criminals in a gun duel.
Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the security operatives, the bandits fled through the Gizazza Forest, abandoning all the stolen animals.
Police recovered 65 rustled cows, which were subsequently returned to their owners. No casualties were recorded during the operation.
Barely 48 hours later, on June 30, another group of armed bandits attacked Bimasa Village, also in Tureta Local Government Area, shooting sporadically while rustling livestock.
Acting on another distress call, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and tactical teams swiftly mobilised to the area, laid siege to the attackers and engaged them in a sustained firefight.
The bandits were forced to retreat into the forest, abandoning 72 rustled cows, all of which were recovered by the police.
The Command said the prompt response of its operatives prevented any loss of life in both attacks and ensured the recovery of livestock valued at millions of naira.
Commending the officers for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to eliminate banditry and other violent crimes across Sokoto State.
He said the recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and coordinated tactical operations in protecting vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner also appealed to residents to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements operating within the state.
Police authorities reiterated that ongoing offensives against bandits and other violent criminals would be sustained until lasting peace and security are restored across Sokoto State.
By PRNigeria
