Military Averted Bandit Attacks On Traders, Says Sokoto Govt

The Sokoto State Government has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for thwarting an ambush by suspected bandits on traders traveling to a weekly market in Sabon Birni Local Government Area

The government described the intervention as a “significant success” in the state’s ongoing security operations.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), the government said troops responded swiftly on Sunday when criminals tried to attack traders moving from Tarah village to Sabon Birni.

The soldiers reportedly neutralised several of the assailants, preventing what authorities say could have been a deadly attack on civilians.

The incident underscores the persistent security threats facing communities in northern Sokoto and the mounting pressure on security forces working to curb banditry across the North-West.

“The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident, adding that the action “reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people”

Col. Usman commended the “consistent sacrifices” of troops confronting armed groups in remote areas, urging the military to sustain the current momentum and intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal networks from the state and the wider region.

The government also appealed to residents to play an active role in strengthening community security by providing timely intelligence to security agencies.

“We call on residents to remain firm and courageous, timely intelligence is essential, and we expect communities to actively support security agencies by reporting movements or behaviour that could endanger public safety”

Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on insecurity, the state warned that anyone aiding or abetting banditry including collaborators, informants, or financiers will face the full weight of the law“

He assured that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration remains committed to providing security agencies with the resources and cooperation needed to restore peace across Sokoto.