The Sokoto State Police Command has thwarted an attempted bandit attack on Daraye Village in Wamako Local Government Area, neutralising one suspected bandit and recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with 28 rounds of live ammunition during a coordinated counter-operation.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i.
According to the statement, the attempted attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday after the Command received a distress call at about 1:35 a.m. indicating that a large number of heavily armed bandits had invaded Daraye Village.
In response, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU), and other tactical teams were swiftly mobilised to reinforce officers at the Wamakko Divisional Police Headquarters.
On arrival, the security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior firepower and tactical coordination that forced the bandits to abandon their mission and retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The statement noted that a follow-up clearance operation in nearby bushes led to the neutralisation of one suspected bandit.
Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the neutralised suspect.
To prevent further attacks, the Command said confidence-building patrols have been intensified across Daraye and adjoining communities, while neighbouring divisional police headquarters have been placed on high alert to intercept fleeing suspects, particularly those seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the successful operation and reaffirmed the Command's determination to rid the state of criminal elements.
"The gallantry displayed by our officers is highly commendable. The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating banditry and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Sokoto State," the Commissioner said.
He assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain ongoing intelligence-led and coordinated operations until lasting peace and security are fully restored across Sokoto State.
