SOKOTO, Nigeria – The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled two separate bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area, recovering a total of 137 rustled cattle during coordinated security operations carried out within 48 hours.
The operations were conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with Tactical Teams and members of the Village Community Relations Committee (VCRC), according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred on 28 June at about 5:15 p.m., when suspected armed bandits invaded Fura Girke village, firing sporadically before rustling cattle belonging to residents.
Police said security operatives swiftly mobilised to the area, blocked the bandits’ escape routes and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee into the Gizazza Forest.
A total of 65 rustled cattle were recovered during the operation and returned to their rightful owners. No casualties were recorded.
The statement added that a second attack was foiled on 30 June at about 6:15 p.m., when another group of suspected armed bandits stormed Bimasa village, also in Tureta Local Government Area, firing indiscriminately before rustling livestock.
According to the command, tactical teams responded immediately and engaged the attackers in a sustained exchange of gunfire, compelling them to abandon the stolen animals and flee into a nearby forest.
Police recovered 72 rustled cattle during the second operation.
The command said the successful operations underscored its commitment to protecting rural communities and intensifying efforts to combat banditry across Sokoto State.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for their bravery, professionalism and swift response to the attacks. He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations aimed at tackling banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
