Sokoto attack: Soldiers kill several bandits, launch air operation

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Several bandits were feared dead after security forces on Wednesday foiled an attempted attack on Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday.

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The attackers reportedly stormed the town at about 10 am, allegedly advancing from Horo village in neighbouring Shagari Local Government Area, in an attempt to overrun the military barracks in Sifawa.

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The attack triggered a fierce gun battle between the assailants and security personnel comprising soldiers and police officers stationed in the town.

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A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The attackers came in large numbers, and there was heavy shooting. The soldiers and police engaged them and eventually pushed them back.”

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The resident added that two soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter and were evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

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“We saw two soldiers who were injured and taken away for treatment. Several of the bandits were also believed to have been killed, while others escaped into the millet farms,” the resident said.

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A security source confirmed that military air operations were underway in the surrounding bushes where the fleeing bandits were believed to have taken refuge.

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“The air operation is ongoing in the areas where the bandits are believed to have fled. A ground operation will follow to mop up the area and prevent them from regrouping,” the source said.

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The attack also disrupted movement along the Sifawa–Birnin Kebbi road, leaving motorists stranded for several hours as security forces responded to the incident.

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A motorist caught up in the disruption said, “We could not continue our journey because of the fighting. Vehicles were forced to stop until the situation became calmer.”

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As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties among the attackers and security personnel had not been officially confirmed.

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When contacted, the spokesman of the 8 Division, Lt Col. Olaniyi Osoba, simply said the Defence Headquarters will release a statement on the incident later.

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Earlier, tension had gripped Sifawa town as suspected bandits were sighted moving large herds of cattle through the community in broad daylight.

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The development reportedly triggered a fierce engagement between the suspected bandits and troops stationed in the Sifawa axis, as security forces moved to prevent the group from advancing into vulnerable communities.

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Sifawa, located about 20 kilometres from Sokoto, the state capital, is a major community in Bodinga LGA and serves as a gateway to several farming settlements in the area.

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The latest development has heightened concerns over the security of rural communities in Sokoto State, where criminal groups have continued to exploit remote farming areas and difficult terrain for movement and other activities.

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When contacted, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the development.

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Rufa’i said the command responded to the situation by deploying operatives to the area, adding that security personnel were on top of the situation.

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He said the operatives had taken proactive measures to maintain peace and order in the affected area, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

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