Police Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tsabre community in Isa Local Government Area, recovering two rocket launchers and other items abandoned by the fleeing assailants.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 1 am on Friday and opened fire, sending residents into panic.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.

Rufa’i said the Divisional Police Officer in Isa mobilised tactical teams after receiving a distress call from the community. The teams included operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit.

He said the operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, using their tactical positioning and superior firepower to force the bandits to retreat into a nearby forest, with some reportedly sustaining casualties.

A subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led to the recovery of two rocket launchers and two empty AK-47 magazines, according to the police.

Other items recovered from the area included a Techno keypad phone without a battery, a touch light, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.

The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and courage during the operation, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Sokoto State.

Shaffa urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the police promptly.

He also appealed to residents to notify the nearest police station if anyone suspected of sustaining gunshot wounds seeks medical attention, as security operatives continue efforts to locate the fleeing attackers.