By Musa Ubandawaki
Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a major bandit attack on Bodinga community in Bodinga Local Government Area, neutralising three suspected bandits and recovering an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition during a fierce overnight operation.
The Sokoto State Police Command disclosed that the operation was carried out by personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following a distress call reporting an invasion of the community by heavily armed bandits late on Wednesday.
According to the Command, the attack occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on June 10, when intelligence indicated that a large number of armed criminals, wielding sophisticated weapons, had stormed Bodinga village and posed a serious threat to residents.
Acting swiftly on the report, security operatives were immediately deployed to the area, where they engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle.
The police said the superior tactical response and firepower of the operatives forced the bandits to abandon the assault and flee into nearby forests with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
A subsequent search operation conducted around the scene and adjoining bushes led to the recovery of the bodies of three suspected bandits who were neutralised during the encounter.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 25 rounds of live ammunition.
The Command confirmed that no civilian or security personnel casualty was recorded during the operation.
Police authorities described the successful operation as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in Bodinga and neighbouring communities, noting that it forms part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and violent crimes across the state.
To consolidate the gains recorded, confidence-building patrols have been intensified in the affected area, while police divisions in adjoining local government areas have been placed on high alert to track down fleeing suspects, particularly those believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, called on residents to support security agencies with credible information, urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and individuals receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property across Sokoto State.
The police added that investigations and follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and prevent future attacks in the area.
