By Musa Ubandawaki
SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled a bandit attack in Tureta Local Government Area and recovered 25 rustled cattle during a joint security operation.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with other security agencies, followed a distress call reporting an attack on Imasa Matankari village, a community bordering Zamfara State.
According to the Command, heavily armed bandits invaded the village on June 2, firing sporadically before making away with 25 cows belonging to residents.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Officer Commanding the VCRU immediately mobilised a joint team comprising Anti-Kidnapping operatives and personnel of the Army Forward Operating Base to the area.
The security team reportedly blocked all possible escape routes and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.
“Following a sustained exchange of fire, the bandits were overpowered and fled in disarray, abandoning all 25 rustled cattle. The recovered animals have since been returned to their rightful owners,” the statement said.
The police said no casualty was recorded during the operation, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the Kuruwa Forest.
The Command noted that surveillance and manhunt operations had been intensified to prevent further attacks and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
Reacting to the security situation in parts of the state, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, described recent attacks on communities in Tureta as disturbing and called for urgent action to protect residents.
He commended security personnel for their efforts and urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency collaboration and provide greater support for frontline operatives.
Dan’iya stressed that restoring peace in rural communities was critical to security, economic growth and social stability.
Meanwhile, the police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
The Command assured the public of its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
