Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the successful repulsion of coordinated bandit attacks on communities in Shagari and Rabah Local Government Areas, recovering 366 rustled domestic animals after intense gun battles with the attackers.
The Command said the operations, carried out jointly by the police, military and other tactical units, frustrated the bandits’ plans, forcing them to flee into nearby forests and abandon all the stolen livestock.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the first attack occurred on August 4, 2026, at about 7:20 p.m., when a large group of armed bandits invaded Horo Birni and Marake villages in Shagari Local Government Area.
The assailants reportedly fired sporadically before rustling livestock belonging to residents.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Shagari immediately mobilized tactical operatives, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Community Response Unit (VCRU), and personnel from the Military Forward Operating Base (FOB).
The combined security team engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat and abandon 195 cows, 84 sheep and two camels, all of which were recovered.
Two villagers sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Barely an hour later, at about 8:10 p.m., another gang of armed bandits attacked Maikujera Village in Rabah Local Government Area, rustling 171 domestic animals, including camels, cattle, sheep and goats.
The DPO, already on alert, swiftly deployed tactical teams to strategic locations, blocking the bandits’ escape routes before engaging them in another fierce exchange of gunfire.
The superior firepower and coordinated response of the security operatives compelled the attackers to flee into the forest, abandoning all 171 stolen animals, which were subsequently recovered.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the professionalism, courage and synergy demonstrated by the police, VCRU personnel and the military.
He described the successful operations as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry and other violent crimes in the state.
The Commissioner assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that all available resources would continue to be deployed to rid Sokoto State of criminal elements and sustain peace across the state.
