Police foil bandits’ attacks in Sokoto, recover 177 rustled cattle 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with Tactical Teams and the VCRC, have recorded two major successes against banditry in Tureta Local Government Area, bordering Zamfara State.
“Within a 48-hour period, the teams successfully repelled attacks on two remote villages, resulting in the recovery of a total of one hundred and seventy-seven (177) domestic animals and the neutralization of planned criminal operations,” a statement by the spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said on Thursday in Sokoto.
It said, “At about 17:15 HRS on June 28, 2026, the Command received a distress call reporting that a large number of armed bandits had invaded Fura Kirke Village, a remote hamlet in Tureta LGA.
“The assailants were shooting sporadically and rustled livestock belonging to the villagers.
“Upon receipt of the information, all tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and VCRC, were immediately mobilized. Operatives strategically blocked all exit routes out of the village and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel.
“Overpowered by the superior firepower of the security forces, the hoodlums retreated through Gizazza Forest, abandoning the rustled animals in the process.”
According to the statement, all the sixty-five (65) rustled cows were successfully recovered and returned to the villagers. No lives were lost during the operation.
The statement continued, “Similarly, at about 18:15 HRS on June 30, 2026, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on another distress call regarding armed bandits attacking Bimasa Village, also in Tureta LGA.
“The bandits, arriving in large numbers, were shooting indiscriminately and rustled domestic animals.
“Tactical teams were swiftly deployed and laid siege to the area.
“The gallant operatives engaged the bandits in a sustained gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee through the nearby forest and abandon their loot.
*All seventy-two (72) rustled cows were recovered successfully.
“The combined efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Tactical Teams, and VCRC have ensured that these two violent incursions did not result in the loss of lives, and the entire stolen livestock valued at millions of Naira was recovered.”
The statement added that these successes underscore the Command’s commitment to protecting rural communities and combating banditry in the region.
“The Commissioner of Police has commended the officers for their bravery and professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in security operations,” it concluded.
