Police in Sokoto State have foiled a suspected bandit attack on Daraye village in Wamako Local Government Area, killing one suspected attacker and recovering an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition.

The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday after security agencies received a distress call that a large group of armed bandits had entered the community.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the report was received at about 1:35 am on July 4.

Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams were immediately deployed to support personnel at the Wamako Divisional Headquarters.

“Upon arrival, the team aggressively engaged the assailants in a fierce and prolonged gun duel. Demonstrating superior tactical proficiency, the operatives successfully overpowered the bandits, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat in disarray into the forest, with several bullet wounds,” the statement said.

Police added that a search of the surrounding bushes later led to the killing of one suspected bandit.

Officers recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing 28 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition from the suspect.

The command said it has stepped up confidence-building patrols in the area to reassure residents and prevent further attacks. It also said nearby police divisions have been placed on alert to intercept any fleeing suspects who may seek medical treatment.

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the officers for their bravery during the operation.

Shaffa assured residents that the police would continue working with other security agencies to maintain pressure on criminal groups until peace is fully restored across the state.

Three Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed and several others injured after their patrol vehicle allegedly struck an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, near Babanna in Borgu Local Government Area.

The incident was reported by conflict and security journalist Bakatsine in a post on X on Sunday.

According to the report, the explosion occurred on Saturday morning between Machiyan Gyada and Baturen Daji in the Dekara axis as the troops were returning from a security patrol.

Bakatsine cited local sources as saying the patrol vehicle hit the suspected roadside bomb, resulting in the casualties.

“Yesterday morning, three Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed and several others injured after their patrol vehicle allegedly struck an improvised explosive device (IED) near Babanna in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

“According to local sources, the explosion occurred between Machiyan Gyada and Baturen Daji in the Dekara axis as the troops were returning from a security patrol,” Bakatsine wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Armed Forces nor the Niger State Government had issued an official statement confirming the incident.

DAILY POST reports that the explosion comes weeks after three separate IED incidents were recorded in Sokoto State, raising fresh concerns over the growing use of roadside bombs against security personnel in parts of northern Nigeria.

Troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This is contained in a statement posted on X by the Nigerian Army.

The army said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at Sabon Layi village following sustained security operations in the area.

It disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.

The statement noted that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.

DAILY POST reported earlier that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed a suspected kidnapper in Benue.