Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
A daring attempt by armed bandits to attack Tureta town, the headquarters of Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, was on Sunday thwarted by a combined team of security operatives in a swift operation that forced the attackers to flee and abandon livestock and motorcycles.
The attack, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m., sparked a rapid security response involving troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, police operatives, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and members of the Community Guards Corps.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Chairman of Tureta Local Government Area, Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Tureta, said the security agencies acted promptly and successfully repelled the attackers before they could inflict harm on residents or carry out kidnappings.
According to him, soldiers from the 8 Division Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base stationed in the area led the operation in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Sokoto State Police Command under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police Jafar Makama.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) overseeing the area, NSCDC personnel, and local security volunteers also played crucial roles in the operation.
The council chairman praised the bravery and professionalism of the security personnel, describing their intervention as timely and decisive.
He disclosed that the fleeing bandits abandoned several items during the encounter, including camels, cattle and two motorcycles, all of which were recovered by security operatives.
“The swift response by the security agencies prevented the attackers from achieving their objective and ensured the safety of residents,” he said.
The successful operation has brought relief to residents of Tureta and surrounding communities who have faced growing concerns over bandit activities in parts of the state.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the attack and that security operations remained ongoing.
He stated that no casualties were recorded during the encounter and that no resident was abducted by the attackers.
“There was no loss of life and no kidnapping was recorded during the attack. Security personnel responded effectively and prevented any breach of the town,” the police spokesman said.
DSP Rufai further disclosed that security forces were simultaneously engaging another group of suspected bandits in Doruwa and Matseri villages along the Gusau Road axis.
According to him, the ongoing operation is aimed at preventing the criminals from regrouping and threatening nearby communities.
He said security agencies were maintaining sustained pressure on the armed groups to force them out of the area and deny them freedom of movement.
The incident is the latest in a series of security operations across the North-West aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent criminality.
Security analysts say the successful defence of Tureta demonstrates the growing synergy among military, police, civil defence and community-based security structures in tackling insecurity.
Residents have been urged to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence as efforts intensify to track down the fleeing attackers and strengthen security across Sokoto State.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property and assured citizens that ongoing operations would continue until all threats in the affected areas are neutralised.
