By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has neutralised a suspected armed bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition following a foiled attack on Daraye Village in Wamakko Local Government Area.
DSP Ahmad Rufa, Command Public Relations Officer, in a statement, says the operation is part of sustained efforts to tackle emerging security threats and strengthen the fight against banditry across the State.
It adds the Command after a distress call that a large number of heavily armed bandits had invaded Daraye Village, the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams were immediately deployed to reinforce Officers at the Wamakko Divisional Police Headquarters.
The statement notes that the operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, overpowering them and forcing the bandits to flee into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
During a subsequent combing of the area, one suspected bandit was neutralized, while an AK-47 rifle and one magazine loaded with twenty-eight rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.
DSP Rufa’i further stated that confidence-building patrols have been intensified in the area, while neighbouring Divisional Police Headquarters have been placed on high alert to intercept any fleeing suspects seeking medical treatment.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commending the gallantry and professionalism of the Officers involved in the operation and reaffirming the Command’s commitment to eliminating banditry and safeguarding lives and property across Sokoto State.
