By Uzair Adam
The Sokoto State Police Command has thwarted an attempted bandit attack on Tauma Village in Bodinga Local Government Area, recovering five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition after a gun battle with the attackers.
The incident occurred on the night of July 25 following a distress call reporting that a large number of armed bandits had invaded the community.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly deployed tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to confront the attackers.
According to the statement, security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition.
The command said no casualties were recorded among security personnel or members of the community during the operation.
It added that confidence-building patrols had been intensified in and around Tauma Village to reassure residents and strengthen security against further attacks.
The police also disclosed that neighbouring divisions had been placed on alert and directed to monitor for injured suspects who might seek medical treatment or attempt to evade arrest within their jurisdictions.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals, particularly those with visible gunshot wounds, to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
