Police stop deadly bandit attack in Sokoto, killing three

By Musa Ubandawaki

Security forces in Sokoto State disrupted a major bandit attack on the Bodinga community in Bodinga Local Government Area, killing three suspected bandits and seizing an AK‑47 rifle with live ammunition during a fierce overnight operation.

The Sokoto State Police Command said the operation was carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit after a distress call reported that heavily armed bandits had invaded the community late on Wednesday.

According to the Command, the attack began at about 11:00 p.m. on 10 June, when intelligence indicated that a large group of armed criminals, equipped with sophisticated weapons, had stormed Bodinga village and posed a serious threat to residents.

Responding quickly, security operatives were dispatched to the area and engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle.

The police said that the superior tactical response and firepower of the operatives forced the bandits to abandon the assault and flee into nearby forests, sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

A subsequent search around the scene and adjoining bushes recovered the bodies of three suspected bandits who were neutralised during the encounter.

Items recovered from the suspects included one AK‑47 rifle, one magazine and 25 rounds of live ammunition.

The Command confirmed that no civilian or security personnel casualties were recorded during the operation.

Police authorities described the successful operation as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in Bodinga and neighbouring communities, noting that it is part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and violent crimes across the state.

To consolidate the gains, confidence‑building patrols have been intensified in the affected area, while police divisions in adjoining local government areas have been placed on high alert to track down fleeing suspects, particularly those believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, called on residents to support security agencies with credible information, urging the public to promptly report suspicious movements and individuals receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property across Sokoto State.

The police added that investigations and follow‑up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and prevent future attacks in the area.

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