The Sokoto State Police Command has repelled two separate bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area, recovering 137 stolen cows during coordinated security operations.
The incidents occurred in Fura Kirke and Bimasa villages on June 28 and June 30, respectively.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, disclosed this in a statement issued in Sokoto.
According to Rufai, the first operation followed a distress call reporting that heavily armed bandits had invaded Fura Kirke Village, firing sporadically and rustling livestock belonging to residents.
He said the Police Command immediately deployed all tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Village Crime Response Centre (VCRC), to respond to the attack.
“Our operatives strategically blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.
“Overpowered by the superior firepower of the security forces, the criminals fled through the Gizazza Forest, abandoning the rustled animals,” Rufai said.
He added that 65 stolen cows were recovered and returned to their owners, while no civilian or security personnel was injured during the operation.
Rufai said the command received another distress call on June 30 reporting that bandits had launched a fresh attack on Bimasa Village, also in Tureta Local Government Area.
According to him, the attackers fired indiscriminately and rustled domestic animals.
He said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, supported by other tactical teams, was swiftly deployed to the area and successfully intercepted the fleeing bandits.
“The gallant operatives engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel, forcing them to flee into the nearby forest and abandon the stolen livestock,” he said.
Rufai said all 72 stolen cows were recovered during the operation, with no casualties recorded among security personnel.
He added that the Commissioner of Police commended the officers for their courage, professionalism and swift response.
The commissioner described the operations as a demonstration of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Rufai said the police commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting the command with timely and credible intelligence to strengthen efforts against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
