Bandits Overrun Security Team in Sokoto, Kill ASP, Burn Patrol Vehicles in Fierce Gun Battle

A senior police officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bala Wakili, has been killed during a deadly confrontation between security operatives and suspected bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, has heightened concerns over the growing security challenges facing communities in parts of the state.

ASP Wakili, who was attached to the Kebbe Police Division, reportedly lost his life while leading efforts to repel armed bandits who had invaded Girkau and Zugu villages and rustled an unspecified number of livestock.

Sources familiar with the operation said the attackers stormed the communities at about 4 p.m., forcing residents into panic as they carried out the raid.

In response, a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps mobilised to intercept the fleeing suspects. The operatives reportedly laid an ambush along the bandits’ escape route as they exited Zugu village.

However, what followed was a fierce gun duel that lasted for more than an hour.

According to sources, the security personnel engaged the heavily armed bandits in an intense exchange of fire, but the attackers, said to be in overwhelming numbers, eventually gained the upper hand.

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“The operatives fought bravely, but the bandits were many. During the confrontation, ASP Bala Wakili was killed, while two patrol vehicles were set on fire. One belonged to the police, while the other was owned by the Sokoto Community Guard Corps,” a source familiar with the incident disclosed.

Another security operative, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, confirmed the development. He said the remains of the slain officer were later recovered and laid to rest on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said a police officer had “paid the supreme price” while carrying out his duty to protect lives and property.

Rufa’i assured residents that security agencies had swiftly responded to the situation, noting that additional personnel had been deployed to the affected communities to forestall further attacks.

He further stated that the area had been secured and efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security threats confronting several communities in Sokoto State, where security forces continue to battle armed groups involved in cattle rustling, kidnappings and other violent crimes.