Author: Gist Correspondent

A joint security team comprising police operatives and military personnel has neutralised scores of suspected bandits, recovered arms, ammunition and 62 rustled animals during an operation in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Friday, followed credible intelligence that a large group of heavily armed bandits was moving towards Maikujura Village with rustled livestock en route to their hideout in the notorious Gundumi Forest.

According to the Sokoto State Police Command, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rabah swiftly mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with personnel of the military Forward Operating Base (FOB).

The joint security team strategically intercepted the bandits, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the criminals to retreat into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Police said a subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led to the recovery of several bodies of the suspected bandits and about 15 motorcycles believed to belong to the fleeing criminals.

Security operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles, 52 rounds of live ammunition and 62 rustled animals during the operation.

The police said the recovered livestock had been identified and would be returned to their rightful owners.

The command added that no casualty was recorded among security personnel or residents during the operation.

It disclosed that neighbouring police divisions had been placed on high alert and directed to watch for injured suspects seeking treatment in their areas.

The police assured residents that the security situation in Rabah and neighbouring communities remains calm, with joint security teams maintaining a strong presence to forestall further attacks.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, praised the officers and military personnel for their bravery, professionalism and prompt response.

He reaffirmed the command's commitment to working closely with other security agencies to eliminate banditry and other violent crimes across the state.

The commissioner also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities.