ASP Killed As Security Operatives Clash With Bandits In Sokoto

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bala Wakili, has been killed during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The deceased officer was attached to the Kebbe Police Division.

According to sources, the attackers invaded Girkau and Zugu villages at about 4 p.m. on Monday, rustling an unspecified number of livestock before attempting to flee.

A joint security team comprising police officers, soldiers and personnel of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps reportedly laid an ambush for the bandits as they exited Zugu village.

The ensuing gun battle lasted for more than an hour.

A source said the attackers, who were said to be in large numbers, overpowered the security team during the exchange.

“The security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, but the attackers were in large numbers. They eventually overpowered the team, killed ASP Bala Wakili and set ablaze two patrol vehicles—one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps,” the source said.

A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, adding that the slain officer’s body was recovered and buried on Tuesday.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, also confirmed the attack, saying the officer paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

Rufa’i disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities to strengthen security and reassure residents.

He added that security agencies had launched efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further attacks in the area.