Police foil bandit attack in Sokoto village, recover two rocket launchers

The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits on Tsabre Village in Isa Local Government Area, recovering two rocket launchers and other items following a gun battle with the attackers.

The incident occurred at about 1 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, when a large group of armed men reportedly invaded the community and began shooting sporadically, apparently in an attempt to create panic among residents.

According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer in Isa mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit, after receiving a distress call about the attack.

The teams engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with some reportedly sustaining casualties.

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The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said officers subsequently searched the surrounding bushes and recovered two rocket launchers and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing attackers.

Items recovered included two empty AK-47 magazines, a keypad Tecno mobile phone without a battery, a torchlight, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and bravery during the operation.

Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police.

He also appealed to members of the public to report anyone suspected to have sustained gunshot injuries and seeking medical treatment to the nearest police station.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers.