The Sokoto State Police Command says it has foiled two separate bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area and recovered 137 rustled cattle during coordinated security operations carried out within a 48-hour period.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the operations were conducted by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with Tactical Teams and the VCRC. The command said the interventions prevented further criminal activities and ensured that no lives were lost.
The first incident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on June 28, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly invaded Fura Kirke Village, a remote community in Tureta LGA bordering Zamfara State. The attackers allegedly fired sporadically before rustling livestock belonging to residents.
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The police said tactical teams were immediately deployed after receiving a distress call. Security operatives blocked the bandits’ escape routes and engaged them in a gun battle. The suspects reportedly fled through the Gizazza Forest, abandoning the stolen livestock.
The command said all 65 rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners, adding that no casualties were recorded during the operation.
A second attack was reported at about 6:15 p.m. on June 30, 2026, when armed bandits allegedly attacked Bimasa Village, also in Tureta Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the assailants arrived in large numbers, fired indiscriminately, and rustled domestic animals.
Police tactical teams responded promptly, engaged the attackers in a sustained exchange of gunfire, and forced them to retreat into a nearby forest.
The police said 72 rustled cows were recovered during the operation.
The Sokoto State Police Command said the combined efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Tactical Teams, and the VCRC prevented the attacks from resulting in any loss of life and led to the recovery of livestock valued at millions of naira.
The Commissioner of Police for Sokoto State commended the officers involved for their bravery and professionalism.
The command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
