Soldiers Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Launch Air Ops

On Wednesday, security forces, including soldiers and police officers, thwarted an attempted attack by bandits on Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The attackers, reportedly advancing from Horo village in Shagari Local Government Area, engaged in a fierce gun battle with the security personnel around 10 am.

A local resident reported heavy shooting and confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. The resident also indicated that several bandits were believed to have been killed, while others fled into nearby millet farms.

Military air operations were initiated to locate the fleeing bandits, with a ground operation planned to prevent their regrouping. The attack disrupted traffic along the Sifawa–Birnin Kebbi road, stranding motorists for hours.

The spokesperson for the 8 Division, Lt Col. Olaniyi Osoba, stated that the Defence Headquarters would issue a statement regarding the incident. The Sokoto State Police Command, represented by DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the deployment of operatives to the area.