Police Take Down Suspected Bandit in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police has reported that they killed a suspected armed bandit and seized an AK-47 rifle with live bullets. This happened after stopping an attack on Daraye Village in the Wamako Local Government Area.

The police said this operation took place early on Saturday. They responded to a distress call that alerted them about many armed bandits invading the village.

In a statement on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, explained that the distress call came in around 1:35 a.m. on July 4. This prompted them to quickly send operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit, the village crime reduction unit, and other tactical teams to back up officers at the Wamakko Divisional Headquarters.

The statement shared that the operatives encountered the attackers in a serious gunfight. The bandits were forced to retreat into the forest, some of them suffering gunshot wounds.

"When the team arrived, they engaged the attackers in a tough and long gun battle. Showing great skill, the operatives overpowered the bandits, making them abandon their mission and run into the forest with several bullet wounds," the statement said.

After the shootout, police searched the nearby bushes and found one suspected bandit who was killed.

PUNCH Metro learned that the items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle and a magazine with 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

The police also said they have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and stop further attacks. They also put nearby police divisions on high alert to catch any suspects trying to escape for medical help.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, praised the officers for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

"The bravery shown by our officers is very commendable. The Command remains committed to ending banditry and ensuring the safety of lives and properties in Sokoto State," the commissioner stated.

He promised that the police, along with other security agencies, will keep up efforts against criminals until peace returns to the state.