The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attack by armed bandits on Tsabre Village in Isa Local Government Area of the state, recovering two rocket launchers and other items from the attackers. The attack occurred at about 1 am on Friday, October 2, 2026, when the bandits reportedly stormed the community and opened sporadic gunfire, apparently to create panic among residents.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer in Isa immediately mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, after receiving a distress call. The police teams engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.
The statement said the bandits fled with casualties following what it described as the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives. “Upon receiving the distress call, the DPO Isa immediately mobilised all tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to the scene,” the statement said. “The tactical teams engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time.
Due to the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into the nearby forest with their casualties.” A subsequent search of the surrounding bushes led to the recovery of two rocket launchers, two empty AK-47 magazines, a Techno keypad phone without a battery, a touch light, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.
The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and gallantry. Shaffa also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the police. He specifically advised members of the public to report anyone with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention to the nearest police station, as the command continues efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.
