Police repel bandit attacks, recover 167 rounds of ammunition in Sokoto

The Nigeria Police Force in Sokoto State has recorded a major operational success after repelling coordinated bandit attacks and recovering a cache of 167 rounds of live ammunition during recent security operations across the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Hassan Shaffa, said the breakthrough followed a series of intelligence-led interventions targeting criminal networks in vulnerable communities.

The most significant confrontation occurred on April 8 in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, where armed bandits attempted to invade Kwarangamba and Gaya villages. Acting on credible intelligence, a joint security team comprising police officers, military personnel, and local vigilantes intercepted the attackers before they could penetrate the communities.

A prolonged gun battle ensued, lasting nearly an hour, during which security forces forced the assailants to retreat into nearby forests with injuries. In the course of the pursuit, the fleeing bandits abandoned a sack containing 167 rounds of ammunition, which was subsequently recovered.

In a separate wave of operations on April 15, police carried out coordinated raids across Tambuwal, Kware, and Goronyo local government areas. The raids led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of locally made firearms, an AK-47 magazine, military camouflage uniforms, and suspected illicit drugs.

Among those arrested was Aminu Meroba, identified by authorities as a suspected logistics supplier to bandit groups. Police said he was intercepted along the Tangaza axis with four rustled cows and later confessed to acting on instructions from a terrorist network to sell the livestock and remit proceeds.

The Command also reported foiling another attack in the early hours of April 23 in Achida town, where operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit engaged bandits attempting a midnight raid on Illela Village and Kwargaba hamlet. One attacker, reportedly dressed in military uniform, was neutralized during the encounter. However, a local vigilante member was killed before security reinforcements arrived.

Addressing concerns over insecurity in the Achida-Gurno corridor, CP Shaffa acknowledged operational challenges but assured residents that the area has been designated a priority for increased deployment and surveillance.

He reiterated the importance of community collaboration, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore stability across the state.