Police Foil Bandit Attack In Sokoto Village, Recover Rocket Launchers, Weapons

The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled a planned attack by armed bandits in Tsabre Village, Isa Local Government Area of the state, recovering sophisticated weapons in the process.

The operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday, October 2, 2026.

A statement on Friday evening by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the bandits in large numbers, armed with sophisticated weapons, launched an attack on the village at about 1:00 a.m., shooting sporadically to create panic among residents.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Isa Division, immediately mobilised tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

Rufa’i said the tactical teams engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time, noting that due to superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives, the bandits were overpowered and forced to flee into the nearby forest with casualties.

“Following the retreat, a thorough combing of the surrounding bushes was conducted. The following items were recovered from the scene,” the PPRO stated.

According to him, items recovered include two rocket launchers, two empty magazines of AK-47 rifle, one keypad Tecno handset without battery, one touch light, one army jungle hat, one sweater cap, five sets of sandals and one rain jacket.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the gallantry and swift response of the officers involved in the operation.

Shaffa reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention to the nearest police station.