Police on Red Alert Over Alleged N40m Bandits’ Levy, Attack Threat in Sokoto

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has placed security personnel on red alert following reports of a possible bandit attack on Kebbe town, headquarters of Kebbe Local Government Area of the state.

The security alert follows reports that suspected bandits imposed a compulsory N40 million levy on residents and threatened to attack Kebbe and surrounding communities if the money was not paid.

Local sources said the suspected bandits allegedly threatened to launch the attack on Friday, when the state government is expected to commission the newly upgraded Juma’at Mosque in Kebbe town.

According to the sources, Kebbe Local Government officials have informed the Sokoto State Government about the alleged levy and security threat.

Some residents and concerned stakeholders have also reportedly suggested postponing the mosque commissioning over security concerns. Sources further alleged that the bandits had contacted other armed groups ahead of the threatened attack.

Confirming that the police were aware of the security threat, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said measures had been put in place to protect residents.

“Yes, the command is aware of the imminent threat,” Rufai told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Thursday.

“The command is on red alert, and we will never rest on our oars to fully protect the lives and property of all law-abiding residents of Sokoto State,” he said.

The latest development comes weeks after Kebbe and neighbouring communities reportedly suffered bandit attacks that resulted in deaths, destruction of property and the abduction of several residents.

The attacks have also reportedly displaced residents, with some seeking refuge in safer communities, including Jega in neighbouring Kebbi State.