By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other tactical teams, has foiled a coordinated attack by armed bandits on Illela Village in Achida town and Kwargaba hamlet in Sokoto State.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, followed a distress call received at about 00:30 hours indicating that heavily armed assailants had simultaneously invaded both communities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, security operatives were said to have mobilised swiftly to the affected areas, where they engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“Upon arrival, our personnel were met with heavy gunfire. In the ensuing exchange, which lasted several minutes, the operatives overpowered the bandits,” the statement said.
One of the suspects, reportedly dressed in military camouflage, was neutralised during the confrontation, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.
However, the police confirmed that a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group was killed by the attackers before the arrival of security personnel. His remains have since been recovered and handed over to his family.
The command disclosed that a manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, with security forces currently combing the forest and adjoining areas.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agencies as efforts continue to restore and maintain peace in the affected communities.
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