Tactical officers repel armed attackers in Binji LGA and launch a manhunt for suspects who fled into nearby forests

Sokoto State Police Commissioner Hayatu Hassan Shaffa and operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command have foiled a bandit attack on Anada Village in Binji Local Government Area, recovering all 43 sheep allegedly rustled by armed attackers during a fierce gun battle on Thursday night.

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The incident occurred at about 9pm when the bandits reportedly invaded the community, firing sporadically before driving away the livestock belonging to residents.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer in Binji quickly mobilised a combined tactical team comprising personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Viable Crime Response Unit.

The officers pursued the fleeing attackers and blocked possible escape routes, leading to an armed confrontation in which the bandits were reportedly forced to abandon the stolen animals.

“The operatives swiftly blocked all possible escape routes and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the police, the hoodlums abandoned the rustled sheep and fled into the surrounding forest,” the statement said.

The command confirmed that all 43 sheep were recovered intact and returned to their owners. No casualties or injuries were recorded among the security personnel or residents during the operation.

The successful intervention offers a significant relief to residents of Anada Village, where the loss of livestock can have a serious impact on household livelihoods.

The recovery also represents a positive outcome in the wider struggle against livestock rustling, which has continued to fuel insecurity and economic hardship across parts of north-western Nigeria.

Following the operation, tactical officers have intensified a coordinated manhunt across nearby forests in an effort to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.

Shaffa commended the Binji DPO and the officers involved for their courage, professionalism and swift response to the attack.

“The Sokoto State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations,” the commissioner said.

The incident comes against the backdrop of recurring bandit attacks in Binji and other parts of Sokoto State, where communities have faced threats from armed criminal groups in recent years.

Security agencies have consequently intensified joint and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring stability in affected communities.

For residents of Anada Village, the recovery of the 43 sheep provides a welcome measure of reassurance.

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However, the continuing manhunt highlights the broader challenge facing security agencies as they work to prevent armed groups from using remote forests as safe havens for criminal activities.