Police Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 45 Rustled Cattle in Sokoto State
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled a bandit attack in Wamako Local Government Area and recovered 45 rustled cattle belonging to villagers.
According to a statement, armed bandits in large numbers invaded Rinjin Masa village on June 15 at about 11:35 p.m., shooting sporadically and carting away livestock from the remote settlement.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Wamako, who was said to be on alert, swiftly mobilised tactical teams in collaboration with a military Forward Operating Base to block all exit routes from the village.
Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for some time, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby forests and abandon the stolen animals.
The 45 rustled cattle were subsequently recovered by the security forces. One suspect was arrested during the operation, while a mobile phone and a cutlass were also recovered from him.
Authorities said the recovered livestock would be handed over to their rightful owners through community leaders after proper identification.
No casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel or residents during the operation.
The police said search efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, while security presence in the area has been reinforced to prevent further attacks.
