The Sokoto State police command killed a suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle after foiling an attack on Daraye village in Wamako Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the incident occurred at about 1:35 a.m. on July 4.

“At about 01:35 hours on July 4, 2026, the command received a distress call reporting that a large number of heavily armed bandits attacked Daraye Village,” he said.

He said operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit, the violent crime response unit (VCRU), and other tactical teams were immediately mobilised to reinforce officers at the Wamako divisional police headquarters.

“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,” Mr Rufa’I said.

He added that during a subsequent combing of the surrounding bushes, the operatives neutralised one suspected bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle and one magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

According to him, all neighbouring divisional police headquarters have been placed on high alert and directed to remain vigilant for any injured suspects who may attempt to seek medical treatment within their jurisdictions.