From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with tactical teams, successfully foiled a coordinated attack by armed bandits on two communities in the early hours of Thursday.
The swift intervention targeted a large group of assailants who launched simultaneous raids on Illela Village (Achida Town) and Kwargaba hamlet.
According to a statement issued in Sokoto by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the command received a distress call at approximately 12:30 a.m. reporting that heavily armed bandits were laying siege to the communities.
Personnel already on high alert were immediately mobilized to the scene.
Upon arrival, the security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted several minutes.
“The operatives overpowered the assailants during the encounter.
“One bandit, dressed in a military uniform, was neutralized. The remaining hoodlums fled with bullet wounds into the adjacent Gundumi Forest”, the statement said.
Tragically, the police confirmed that before the tactical units arrived at the scene, one member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group was shot and killed by the bandits. His remains have since been recovered and handed over to his family for burial.
An intensive manhunt is currently underway as security forces comb the Gundumi Forest and surrounding areas to track down the wounded escapees.
The command assured the public that operations are ongoing and further updates will be provided.
The Sokoto Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any individuals seeking medical treatment for gunshot wounds or any suspicious activities to the nearest security post.
