Police Foil Bandit Attacks, Recover 137 Rustled Cattle in Sokoto
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has foiled two separate bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area, recovering a total of 137 rustled cattle during coordinated security operations carried out within 48 hours.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working alongside Tactical Teams and the VCRC, successfully repelled the attacks on Fura Kirke and Bimasa villages, both located near the Zamfara State border.
The first incident occurred on June 28, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly invaded Fura Kirke Village, firing sporadically and rustling livestock. Following a distress call, security operatives swiftly mobilized, blocked the bandits’ escape routes, and engaged them in a gun battle. The attackers reportedly fled through the Gizazza Forest, abandoning all 65 rustled cattle, which were later recovered and returned to their owners.
In a similar operation on June 30, 2026, police responded to another distress call after armed bandits attacked Bimasa Village and rustled domestic animals. Tactical teams confronted the assailants in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest. The operation led to the recovery of 72 rustled cattle.
The Police Command said no lives were lost during either operation, adding that the recovered livestock is worth millions of naira.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police praised their courage and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting rural communities and tackling banditry across the state.
The police also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
