Scores of bandits were feared killed, following a gun battle between security forces and suspected terrorists in Sifawa village, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, about 20 kilometres from the state capital.
The incident occurred when the suspected bandits, who were reportedly moving a large herd of cattle believed to have been rustled, encountered personnel of the Forward Operating Base in Sifawa.
A reliable sources said the suspects opened fire in an apparent attempt to escape arrest, prompting security personnel to respond.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly caused panic among residents, while some of the fleeing suspects allegedly attacked communities including Badau and Danchadi as they retreated.
Although the exact number of casualties had not been officially established at the time of filing the report, residents believed that several of the attackers may have been neutralised.
The development has heightened security concerns across Bodinga Local Government, particularly because Sifawa is home to prominent institutions and personalities, including Sokoto State Secretary to the Government, Bello Sifawa, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, and a modern College of Health Sciences.
Farmers in security-prone communities had also reportedly been advised to harvest their crops as troops intensified operations against the bandits.
Confirming the incident, Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, said adequate security personnel had been deployed to the area and were on top of the situation.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies while avoiding the operational area and complying with security instructions.
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