TERROR ON THE HIGHWAY! A police Assistant Superintendent, ASP Bala Wakili, has been killed after suspected bandits overpowered a joint security team during a fierce gun battle in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Wakili, who was attached to the Kebbe Police Division, was reportedly killed after the bandits launched an attack on Girkau and Zugu villages around 4pm on Monday.
The attackers reportedly stormed the communities and rustled an unspecified number of livestock before making their escape.
But their retreat turned deadly when a joint team of police officers, soldiers and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps reportedly laid an ambush for them as they were leaving Zugu.
A source said the ensuing shootout raged for more than one hour, with the security team eventually overwhelmed by the attackers, who were said to be far greater in number.
According to the source, the bandits killed ASP Wakili and torched two security patrol vehicles — one belonging to the police and another operated by the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.
A security operative, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the officer’s death, adding that Wakili’s body was recovered and buried on Tuesday.
The Sokoto State Police Command also confirmed the deadly attack.
Police spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said an officer was killed while carrying out his duty, adding that the command had responded by deploying more personnel to the affected communities.
He assured residents that security forces had regained control of the situation and were intensifying efforts to track down the attackers.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Sokoto State, particularly communities vulnerable to bandit attacks and livestock rustling.
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