Sokoto Police Repel Bandit Attack, Recover 25 Rustled Cattle

The Sokoto State Police Command has repelled an attack by armed bandits on Imasa Matankari village in Tureta Local Government Area and recovered 25 cattle earlier rustled during the assault.

The operation was carried out by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB).

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the incident occurred on June 2, 2026, when a large number of armed bandits invaded the remote community near the Sokoto–Zamfara border.

He said the attackers opened fire sporadically and succeeded in rustling 25 cows belonging to residents before security operatives were alerted.

“Upon receipt of the information, the OC VCRU, who was on heightened alert, immediately mobilised combined teams from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base,” the statement said.

The operatives reportedly blocked all exit routes and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the Kuruwa Forest.

The police said the criminals abandoned the stolen cattle in their escape, allowing security forces to recover all 25 animals, which have since been returned to their owners.

No casualties were recorded during the operation, which authorities described as a successful response to a distress call.

The Command said search operations are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects, while security presence has been strengthened in the area.

Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain calm and continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping in the state.