Security operatives in Sokoto State have successfully repelled two separate bandit attacks in Shagari and Rabah Local Government Areas, recovering 452 rustled animals after engaging the attackers in fierce gun battles.
The operations, carried out on Tuesday evening, forced the bandits to flee into nearby forests, leaving behind hundreds of stolen livestock.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, the first incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. when heavily armed bandits stormed Horo Birni and Marake villages in Shagari LGA, firing indiscriminately before making away with several domestic animals.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Shagari immediately mobilised tactical operatives, including personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Community Response Unit (VCRU), and soldiers from the Military Forward Operating Base (FOB), who confronted the attackers.
Following a gun battle, the bandits were overwhelmed and fled into the forest, abandoning all the animals they had stolen.
Security operatives recovered 195 cows, 84 sheep and two camels during the operation.
The police also disclosed that two residents sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Barely an hour later, at about 8:10 p.m., another group of armed bandits invaded Maikujera village in Rabah Local Government Area, where they also fired sporadically before rustling 171 domestic animals, including camels, cows, sheep and goats.
Acting on intelligence, the Rabah DPO swiftly deployed tactical teams alongside Anti-Kidnapping Unit operatives and members of the Village Community Response Unit. The security personnel blocked possible escape routes and engaged the bandits in another exchange of gunfire.
The attackers were forced to retreat into the forest, abandoning all the stolen animals, which were subsequently recovered.
Commending the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the DPOs, tactical teams, VCRU operatives and military personnel for their prompt response and professionalism.
He noted that their coordinated efforts not only prevented the bandits from escaping with the livestock but also ensured that no lives were lost among security personnel or members of the affected communities.
The police said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, cattle rustling and other violent crimes across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
