Police foil bandit attack, recover 25 rustled cattle in Sokoto

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village in Tureta Local Government Area, recovering 25 cattle rustled during the assault and returning them to their owners.

The Sokoto State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai.

According to the statement, the attack occurred on June 2 at about 2:00 p.m. when a large number of armed bandits invaded the remote community, which borders Zamfara State, firing sporadically before making away with 25 cows belonging to residents.

The police said a distress call from the village prompted an immediate response by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel of the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base.

“The Violence Crime Response Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully repelled an armed bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village, a remote hamlet bordering Zamfara State within Tureta Local Government Area,” the statement said.

It added that upon receiving the report, security operatives swiftly mobilised to the area, blocked all possible escape routes, and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

“Security forces quickly blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel. After a fierce exchange, the operatives overpowered the hoodlums, forcing them to flee through the nearby Kuruwa Forest,” the command stated.

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The police further disclosed that the fleeing bandits abandoned all the stolen livestock during their retreat.

“In their hasty retreat, the bandits abandoned all the stolen animals. All 25 rustled cows were recovered in full and have since been returned to their rightful owners,” the statement added.

The command noted that no lives were lost during the operation and that security personnel have maintained a strong presence in the area while efforts continue to track down the fleeing suspects.

“Security forces have maintained an active vigilance posture in the area and are continuing search operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Rufai said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to aid in the fight against banditry and kidnapping,” he added.

The latest operation comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb banditry and cattle rustling in parts of Sokoto State, particularly communities bordering Zamfara State, which have experienced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.